History of Vinícius Júnior in Timeline
Vinícius Júnior, also known as Vini Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer renowned for his role as a forward for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. Widely regarded as one of the best players globally, he is celebrated for his exceptional pace, technical skills, and impressive dribbling abilities. His contributions have solidified his position as a key player for both club and country.
July 2000: Vinícius Júnior's Birth
In July 2000, Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, known as Vinícius Júnior, was born. He is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.
2006: Start of Footballing Career
In 2006, Vinícius Júnior's footballing career began when his father took him to Flamengo's branch offices, where he was described as a left-back in his club document.
2007: Futsal Classes at Flamengo
Between 2007 and 2010, Vinícius Júnior attended futsal classes at Flamengo's school in São Gonçalo.
2009: Futsal Trial for Flamengo
In 2009, at age nine, Vinícius Júnior took a futsal trial for Flamengo and was asked to return the following year.
August 2010: Trial for Flamengo Youth Team
In August 2010, Vinícius Júnior had a trial to play for the Flamengo youth team and accepted an invitation to join their football team.
October 2015: Called up for Brazil U-15
In October 2015, Vinícius Júnior was called up to the Brazil U-15 team by coach Guilherme Dalla Déa for the South American U-15 Championship.
2015: South American U-15 Championship Victory
In 2015, Vinícius Júnior was a key player in Brazil's victory at the South American U-15 Championship.
June 2016: Called up for Brazil U-17 friendly match
In June 2016, Vinícius was called up for a friendly match against Chile U-17 where he scored two goals and provided two assists in the 4–2 victory.
May 2017: Debut for Flamengo
On May 13, 2017, Vinícius Júnior debuted for Flamengo as a substitute in a match against Atlético Mineiro. Two days later, he extended his contract with the club until 2022.
May 2017: Contract with Real Madrid
On May 23, 2017, Real Madrid signed a contract to acquire Vinícius Júnior, with the transfer effective after his 18th birthday.
June 2017: Featured on The Telegraph's list of best under-21 players
In June 2017, Vinícius Júnior was ranked 39th on The Telegraph's list of the best under-21 players in the world, being the only player from South America to feature on the list.
August 2017: First Professional Goal and Série A Goals
In August 2017, Vinícius Júnior scored his first professional goal for Flamengo against Palestino. Later that month, he scored his first Brazilian Série A goals against Atlético Goianiense.
2017: Senior Debut at Flamengo
In 2017, Vinícius Júnior made his senior debut for Flamengo at age 16.
2017: South American U-17 Championship Victory
In 2017, Vinícius Júnior played a crucial role and finished as the leading goalscorer in Brazil's victory at the South American U-17 Championship.
July 2018: Effective Transfer to Real Madrid
In July 2018, Vinícius Júnior's transfer to Real Madrid became effective after his 18th birthday.
July 2018: Description as 'zippy left winger or second striker'
In July 2018, shortly after joining Real Madrid, ESPN journalist Dermot Corrigan described Vinícius as a "zippy left winger or second striker", highlighting his versatility and potential.
July 2018: Obligation to sell to Real Madrid
In July 2018, the contract renewal was reported as an obligation to sell Vinícius to Real Madrid.
July 2018: Presentation as Real Madrid Player
On July 20, 2018, Vinícius Júnior was officially presented as a Real Madrid player and was issued squad number 28.
November 2018: Praised by José Luis Calderón
In November 2018, former Argentina international José Luis Calderón praised Vinícius Júnior's enthusiasm, ability to create opportunities, and the positive energy he brought to the team.
2018: Transfer to Real Madrid
In 2018, Vinícius Júnior's transfer to Real Madrid became effective. He debuted for the club in the 2018–19 season.
February 2019: Ligament Tear
In February 2019, Vinícius Júnior tore a ligament during a loss to Ajax, ending his season.
December 2019: First Champions League Goal
In December 2019, Vinícius scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a win against Club Brugge.
2019: Contract Extension with Flamengo
In May 2017, Vinícius Júnior extended his contract with Flamengo from 2019 until 2022, increasing his salary and buyout clause.
March 2020: Goal in El Clásico
On March 1, 2020, Vinícius scored the first goal in El Clásico against Barcelona, contributing to Real Madrid's win.
2020: Surpassing Previous Goal Output
In 2021, by October 30th Vinícius Júnior had already surpassed his total goal output from the entire 2020-21 season.
2020: Champions League Quarter-Finals
In April 2021, Vinícius scored two goals in a 3–1 win against Liverpool in the first leg of the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
April 2021: Goals Against Liverpool
In April 2021, Vinícius scored two goals in a win against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals.
June 2021: Named in Brazil's 2021 Copa América squad
In June 2021, Vinícius Júnior was named in Brazil's 2021 Copa América squad by Tite, marking his inclusion in a major international tournament.
December 2021: Vinícius comments on his improved form
In December 2021, Vinícius Júnior commented on his improved form, highlighting his increased calmness and quality in his play during the 2021-2022 season.
2021: Champions League Young Player of the Season
At the end of the 2021-22 season, for his performance Vinícius Júnior was named the inaugural Champions League young player of the season and included in the UEFA Champions League team of the season.
2021: Foundation of Instituto Vini Jr.
In 2021, Vinícius Júnior founded the Instituto Vini Jr., an organization aimed at providing access to education for disadvantaged Brazilian children and teenagers.
2021: Senior Debut for Brazil and Copa América
In 2021, Vinícius Júnior made his senior debut for Brazil and helped his nation to a runner-up finish at the Copa América.
2021: Start of Breakout Season
In 2021, Vinícius Júnior started the 2021–22 season strongly, scoring in an away victory and earning a first-team place.
2021: Racist abuse directed at Vinícius
Since October of 2021, La Liga has reported 26 incidents of racist abuse directed at Vinícius. These have included racist chants by fans and the hanging of a mannequin made to look like Vinícius from a bridge near his team's training grounds.
May 2022: First Hat-Trick for Real Madrid
In May 2022, Vinícius scored his first hat-trick for Real Madrid in a victory over Levante.
2022: Breakthrough Season and Champions League Victory
During the 2022 season, Vinícius Júnior experienced a breakthrough season with Real Madrid and after his goal in Real Madrid's victory in the 2022 Champions League final, Neymar described Vinícius as "the best player in the world."
2022: Champions League Winning Goal
In 2022, Vinícius Júnior scored the winning goal in the Champions League final, contributing to Real Madrid's Champions League title.
2022: FIFA Club World Cup Title
In February 2023, Real Madrid defeated Al-Hilal 5–3 in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final where Vinícius scored a brace to claim the tournament's best player award.
2022: Contract Extension with Flamengo
In May 2017, Vinícius Júnior extended his contract with Flamengo from 2019 until 2022, increasing his salary and buyout clause.
2022: Selection in UEFA Champions League Team of the Tournament
In May 2023, Vinícius Júnior was selected in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League team of the tournament.
February 2023: Scoring Against Liverpool at Anfield
In February 2023, Vinícius scored two first-half goals in Real Madrid's comeback win at Anfield against Liverpool in the Champions League.
May 2023: Champions League Semi-Final Goal Against Manchester City
In May 2023, Vinícius Júnior scored a long-range goal in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City, contributing to a 1–1 draw. Real Madrid would eventually lose the second leg.
May 2023: Racist Abuse and Arrests
In May 2023, Vinícius Júnior was subjected to racist abuse in Spain, including an effigy being hanged. Four men were arrested in connection with the effigy. Real Madrid condemned the abuse and reported it as a "hate crime".
June 2023: Selected to lead FIFA anti-racism committee
On June 15, 2023, Vinícius Júnior was selected by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to lead a special FIFA anti-racism committee composed of players.
August 2023: Decisive Goal Against Almería and Injury Against Celta
In August 2023, Vinícius Júnior scored the decisive goal against Almería. Later in the month, he sustained an injury during a match against Celta.
September 2023: Return to Play Against Las Palmas
In September 2023, Vinícius Júnior returned to play in a league fixture against Las Palmas after recovering from his injury.
October 2023: Contract Extension with Real Madrid
On October 31, 2023, Real Madrid announced that they had extended Vinícius Júnior's contract until June 2027.
2023: Used as a left-sided forward
During the 2023 season, Vinícius Júnior was used in a free role as a left-sided forward or striker in a 4–3–1–2 formation by manager Carlo Ancelotti, giving him more freedom on the pitch.
2023: Sporting the No. 7 Jersey
In 2023, Real Madrid confirmed that Vinícius Júnior would wear the club's iconic No. 7 jersey, previously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo and Raúl, starting from the 2023–24 season.
2023: Recognition and Support Against Racism
In 2023, Vinícius Júnior received praise and support from various sporting figures, and anti-racism legislation called "Vini Jr. laws" were approved in Brazilian states. He also received awards and his footprints were added to the stadium's walk of fame and received the Sócrates Award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
2023: Awarded the Sócrates Award
In 2023, Vinícius Júnior was awarded the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work.
2023: Inclusion in FIFPRO World XI
In 2023, Vinícius was included in the FIFPRO World XI, recognizing him as one of the best players in the world.
2023: Global Outrage and Support Against Racism
Throughout 2023, the global outrage and support for Vinícius Júnior following his stand against racism marked a potential turning point in the fight against racism in football and Spain, with condemnation from public figures worldwide and symbolic gestures like Brazil's Christ the Redeemer statue switching off its lights.
January 2024: Hat-Trick in Supercopa de España Final
On January 14, 2024, Vinícius Júnior scored a hat-trick in a victory over Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final.
March 2024: Criticism for behavior on the field
In March 2024, following an incident where Vinícius pushed RB Leipzig player Willi Orbán, he faced criticism for his on-field behavior and sportsmanship, with concerns raised about his potential to become a legendary player if he doesn't "calm down".
March 2024: Captain of Brazil national team
On March 26, 2024, Vinícius Júnior captained the Brazil national team for the first time in a friendly match against Spain at the Santiago Bernabéu.
October 2024: First Continental Hat-Trick
On 22 October 2024, Vinícius scored his first continental hat-trick in a 5–2 comeback win against Borussia Dortmund.
November 2024: Vinícius Júnior Receives Genetic Results
In November 2024, Vinícius Júnior received his genetic results from African Ancestry, Inc., discovering that his maternal lineage traces back to the Tikar people of Cameroon. The Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) presented him with the certificate in front of a stadium filled with supporters on this occasion.
2024: Appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
In 2024, UNESCO appointed Vinícius Júnior as a Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All, making him the second footballer after Pelé to receive this honor.
2024: Copa América Representation
In 2024, Vinícius Júnior represented Brazil at the Copa América in the United States.
2024: Champions League Final Victory
In 2024, Vinícius Júnior scored in Real Madrid's win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Final. He was also named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.
2024: Player of the Season and FIFA Men's Player Award
In 2024, Vinícius Júnior was named the Champions League Player of the Season and The Best FIFA Men's Player and also secured second place in the Ballon d'Or voting.
January 2025: 100th and 101st Goals for Real Madrid
On 22 January 2025, Vinícius scored his 100th and 101st goals for Real Madrid in a 5–1 Champions League win over Red Bull Salzburg.
May 2025: Release of Netflix documentary 'Vini Jr'
In May 2025, Netflix released a documentary film titled "Vini Jr", which chronicles his life and career, including his response to racism.
February 2026: Alleged racist remark during Champions League match
On 17 February 2026, during a Champions League match against Benfica, Vinícius scored the winning goal but was booked for excessive celebration. The match was halted for around 10 minutes after he reported an alleged racist remark from Gianluca Prestianni, prompting UEFA's anti-racism protocol to be activated.
June 2027: End of Contract with Real Madrid
On October 31, 2023, Real Madrid announced that they had extended Vinícius Júnior's contract until 30 June 2027.
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