Vinícius Júnior's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Vinícius Júnior.

Vinícius Júnior, also known as Vini Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer renowned for his skills as a forward. He currently plays for Real Madrid in La Liga and represents the Brazil national team. Widely regarded as one of the best players globally, Vinícius Júnior is celebrated for his exceptional pace, technique, and dribbling prowess, making him a key player for both club and country.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2015: Victory at South American U-15 Championship

In 2015, Vinícius Júnior played a key role in Brazil's victory at the South American U-15 Championship, marking an early achievement in his youth career.

March 2017: Debut in South American U-17 Championship

In March 2017, Vinícius Júnior debuted for Brazil in the South American U-17 Championship, scoring a goal in a 3–0 victory against Peru, marking his entry into international youth competitions.

June 2017: Named one of the best under-21 players in the world

In June 2017, Vinícius Júnior was listed as one of the best under-21 players in the world by The Telegraph, recognized for his potential at a young age.

August 2017: First Professional Goal and Série A Goals for Flamengo

In August 2017, Vinícius Júnior scored his first professional goal for Flamengo against Palestino and his first Brazilian Série A goals against Atlético Goianiense.

2017: Victory at South American U-17 Championship

In 2017, Vinícius Júnior was a key player in the victory at the South American U-17 Championship, also finishing as the leading goalscorer in the competition.

December 2019: First UEFA Champions League Goal

In December 2019, Vinícius Júnior scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 3–1 away win over Club Brugge.

2020: Surpassing total goal output

On 30 October 2021, Vinícius Júnior scored twice as Real Madrid won 2–1 at Elche, surpassing his total output of six goals in all competitions during the 2020–21 season in just 14 matches.

2021: 2021-22 season performance

Vinícius ended the 2021–22 season as Real Madrid's second-best goalscorer with 22 goals in all competitions, being named the Champions League young player of the season.

March 2022: Debut goal for Brazil national team

On 24 March 2022, Vinícius scored his first goal for Brazil's national team in a 4-0 victory against Chile during a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match.

May 2022: First Hat-Trick for Real Madrid

On 12 May 2022, Vinícius Júnior scored his first hat-trick for Real Madrid in a 6–0 victory over Levante.

2022: Breakthrough season with Real Madrid

During the 2022 season, Vinícius had a breakthrough season with Real Madrid, significantly increasing his goal scoring and assist output and forming an effective partnership with Karim Benzema.

2022: Champions League Winning Goal

In 2022, Vinícius scored the winning goal in the Champions League final for Real Madrid, contributing to one of two La Liga–Champions League doubles.

2022: Champions League Tournament Selection

In May 2023, Vinícius Júnior was selected in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League team of the tournament.

2022: FIFA Club World Cup Title

On 11 February 2023, Real Madrid defeated Al-Hilal 5–3 in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final. Vinícius scored a brace to claim the tournament's best player award and his second Club World Cup title.

September 2023: Return to Play After Injury

On 27 September 2023, Vinícius Júnior made his return to play in a league fixture against Las Palmas after recovering from his injury.

2023: Inclusion in FIFPRO World XI

In 2023, Vinícius Júnior was included in the FIFPRO World XI, recognizing his performance and contribution to football.

2023: Global support in fight against racism

In 2023, Vinícius received global support following his stand against racism, with figures like President Lula and sporting icons expressing solidarity. The Christ the Redeemer statue switched off its lights in support. An anti-racism law (Vini Jr law) was approved and named after him. He also received awards, and his footprints were added to the stadium's walk of fame. Vinícius received the Sócrates Award at the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony for his humanitarian projects and fight against racism.

2023: Awarded the Sócrates Award

In 2023, Vinícius received the Sócrates Award, recognizing his contributions to humanitarian work and the fight against racism.

January 2024: Hat-Trick in Supercopa de España Final

On 14 January 2024, Vinícius Júnior scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 victory over Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final.

October 2024: First Continental Hat-Trick

On 22 October 2024, Vinícius Júnior scored his first continental hat-trick in a 5–2 comeback win against Borussia Dortmund.

2024: Appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All

In 2024, Vinícius was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All, becoming only the second footballer after Pelé to hold this role.

2024: Player of the Season, FIFA Award, and Ballon d'Or Runner-up

In 2024, Vinícius was named the Champions League Player of the Season and The Best FIFA Men's Player, also finishing as runner-up in the Ballon d'Or.

2024: Champions League Win and Player of the Season

In June 2024, Vinícius Júnior scored in Real Madrid's 2–0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Final, winning his second trophy in the competition. He was named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.

January 2025: 100th and 101st Goals for Real Madrid

On 22 January 2025, Vinícius Júnior scored his 100th and 101st goals for Real Madrid in a 5–1 Champions League win over Red Bull Salzburg, becoming the 23rd player to achieve this feat for the club.