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 the Brazil national team. Widely regarded as one of the world's best players, Vinícius Júnior is celebrated for his exceptional pace, impressive technique, and remarkable dribbling abilities on the field, 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 was a key player in Brazil's victory at the South American U-15 Championship.

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 over Peru. He was later named the tournament's best player and top goal-scorer after leading Brazil to win the championship.

June 2017: Named in The Telegraph's best under-21 players

In June 2017, Vinícius was featured at 39th place on The Telegraph's list of the best under-21 players in the world, being the only player from South America to make the list.

2017: Victory at South American U-17 Championship

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

2020: Exceeding Goal Total

On 30 October 2021, Vinícius surpassed his total output of six goals in all competitions during the 2020–21 season in just 14 matches.

2021: Second Best Goalscorer

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

March 2022: Scores Debut Goal for Brazil

On 24 March 2022, Vinícius scored his first goal for the Brazil national team in a 4–0 victory against Chile.

May 2022: First Hat-Trick for Real Madrid

On May 12, 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 2021–22 season, Vinícius had a breakthrough season with Real Madrid, increasing his goal scoring and assist output, which led to Neymar describing Vinícius as "the best player in the world".

2022: La Liga–Champions League Double

In 2022, Vinícius Júnior helped Real Madrid win the La Liga–Champions League double, scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final.

2022: FIFA Club World Cup Final

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

2022: UEFA Champions League team selection

Vinícius was selected in the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League team of the tournament.

June 2023: Selected to lead FIFA anti-racism committee

In June 2023, Vinícius was selected by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to lead a special FIFA anti-racism committee composed of players.

2023: FIFPRO World XI Inclusion

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

2023: Outpouring of support after racist abuse

In 2023, Vinícius received global support and praise for his stance against racism, following racist abuse. Various public figures and sporting figures, including Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, showed their support. An anti-racism law (Vini Jr law) was approved and named after him, and he also received the Sócrates Award at the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony.

2023: Awarded the Sócrates Award

In 2023, Vinícius was awarded the Sócrates Award for his humanitarian work and fight against racism.

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.

2024: Appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

In 2024, UNESCO appointed Vinícius as a Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All, making him the second footballer after Pelé to receive this honor.

2024: Awards and Champions League Win

In 2024, Vinícius Júnior won another La Liga–Champions League double with Real Madrid, scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final, was named the tournament's Player of the Season, was included in the FIFPRO World XI, and was named The Best FIFA Men's Player, also finishing runner-up in the Ballon d'Or.

2024: UEFA Champions League Final Win

On June 1, 2024, Vinícius scored in Real Madrid's 2–0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Final, and was named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season two days later.

January 2025: Scoring 100th and 101st Goals

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, becoming the 23rd player to achieve this feat for the club.