Vinicius Jr.: 8 Fascinating Facts About the 2024 Ballon d’Or Favorite

Vinícius Jr, known as Vinícius Júnior or Vini Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.

Known for his pace and dribbling, he is considered one of the best left wingers globally and a 2024 Ballon d’Or favorite.

Vinicius Jr.’s name has been trending on social media following his standout performance in the UEFA Champions League final against Dortmund.

All you need to know about Vinicius Jr.

1. Who is Vinicius Jr.?

Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior is a Brazilian Portuguese who is also known as Vinícius Júnior or Vini Jr.

He is a Brazilian professional football player who plays as a winger for both the Brazil national team and LaLiga team Real Madrid.

He is regarded as one of the world’s top left wingers because of his rapid pace and dribbling skills.

In just three years, Vinicius has gained popularity among supporters and is regarded as a favourite for the Ballon d’Or.

2. Vinicius Jr’s Age

Vinícius Jr. was born on July 12, 2000, in São Gonçalo a municipality in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the Southwest region.

3. Vinicius Jr’s parents and family

Vinicius Jr. was born into the family of Tatiana Vinicius and José Paixao de Oliveira, who are his parents. His mother is a descendant of the Congo, while his father was born in Brazil.

Alessandra and Netinho are the siblings of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. Their father is a computer technician who works in São Paulo.

4. Vinicius girlfriend

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. is currently dating Instagram model and reality TV star Maria Julia Mazalli.

Early in 2019, Vini and Maria made their relationship public and was revealed by the Brazilian newspaper Lance despite denying rumours of the two dating.

Everything started when followers saw selfies that the two had posted to social media and began to wonder what was going on between them.

Fans quickly discovered that the selfies were shot in the same Madrid restroom, and soon after, the truth was out.

They never disclosed how they first got together or whether or not they were friends before they started dating.

5. Club career

Flamengo

In 2006, Vinicius Jr. started playing football after his father brought him to the Flamengo branch offices in the Mutuá neighbourhood of São Gonçalo.

The Brazil international was first described as a left back during his club documentation for Flamengo.

Vinícius moved in with his uncle Ulisses in Abolição in order to be closer to Ninho do Urubu, which is the Flamengo training ground.

The forward studied futsal at Flamengo’s school in São Gonçalo between 2007 and 2010 at the renowned Canto do Rio club, which is situated in the heart of Niterói.

Vinicius left after deciding he preferred to play football over futsal and passed Flamengo’s football exam in August 2010.

Vinícius made his Flamengo debut in 2017. Two days later, he signed a contract extension that would take him from 2019 to 2022, with a big pay boost and a buyout clause that increased from €30 million to €45 million.

According to reports, this contract renewal is a part of Vinícius’ transfer to Real Madrid. The two teams agreed to sell the young player in July 2018 when they met in Gávea.

In a Copa Sudamericana second round leg 2 match against Palestino, Vinícius scored his first goal as a professional footballer.

Real Madrid

In 2017, Vinícius and La Liga team Real Madrid signed a deal that will take effect in July 2018 after he turns 18.

He left for an estimated €46 million transfer price, which at the time ranked as the second-highest player sale in Brazilian football history, only surpassed by Neymar.

However, he did not join the Spanish giants immediately but return to Brazil on loan to finish the season.

He was given the squad number 28 and unveiled as a Real Madrid player formally before making his debut against Atlético Madrid, entering the game as a substitute in a goalless draw.

Vinicius Jr. scored his first goal for Real Madrid against Real Valladolid just 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Since them he has become a regular starter and the most influential player in the Real Madrid squad.

6. International career

Vinícius Júnior received a called up from Brazil by coach Guilherme for the South American U-15 Championship in 2015.

The Madrid star finished second in the competition with seven goals, and he assisted Brazil in winning the U-15 title.

He was then called up to the U-17 and made his debut in the South American U-17 Championship and scored in Brazil’s victory over Peru.

Vinicius Jr.’s performance resulted in a first-ever call-up for the Brazil national team for friendlies against Panama and the Czech Republic.

However, he was dropped from the team due to injury and was not invited by the manager for the 2019 Copa America.

He went on to make his senior international debut, coming in as a substitute in Brazil’s defeat to Peru.

Vinicius also went to the FIFA 2023 World Cup, where he helped Brazil qualify for the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Croatia.

7. Vinícius Jr. Style of play

Vinicius is a flexible player who can play anywhere in the front line; he has also been used in the centre and on the right but is preferred position is on the left flank.

Despite his small stature, he possesses physical strength, trickery on the ball, as well as explosive acceleration, excellent pace, agility, balance, technique, flair, and close control at speed.

When he has possession of the ball, his movement, vigour, and capacity to rush at defenders, change direction quickly, and outmuscle opponents in one-on-one situations are widely recognised.

With a low centre of gravity, excellent passing and awareness, and a low centre of gravity, he is regarded as a dynamic, clever, diligent, and nimble winger.

In addition, he is well-known for having a keen eye for the game and for helping teammates, which makes him a potent facilitator.

8. Vinicius Jr.’s net worth

Vinicius Junior’s net worth increased dramatically as a result of his journey from Flamengo to Real Madrid; as of 2023, it was an astounding £18 million (about $20 million), as reported by One Football.

His contract with Real Madrid expires on June 30, 2027, and he currently earns €400,577 a week, or roughly €20.83 million annually.

Vinicius Jr. is expected to make a significant amount of money after his current contract expires, potentially earning £35 million.

Furthermore, to discourage potential suitors, his contract has an astounding £858 million release clause.

Like many other football players, Vinicius Jr. has an endorsement agreement with the well-known sports company Nike.

Vinicius Jr. has endorsement deals with TCL Mobile and Red Bull and has used the opportunity to build his personal brand and diversify his commercial endeavours.