Vinícius Júnior Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 15, 2025
In the constellation of modern football superstars, few shine as brightly—or as defiantly—as Vinícius Júnior. At just 24 years old (as of 2025), the Brazilian forward has already etched his name into footballing history as a key architect of Real Madrid’s golden era, a symbol of resilience against racism, and one of the most electrifying talents on the planet.
With blistering pace, dazzling dribbling, and a never-say-die attitude, Vinícius Júnior is not just a footballer—he’s a force of nature.
Then: The Boy from São Gonçalo – A Dream Forged in the Streets (2000–2018)
1. Humble Beginnings in Brazil
Born on July 12, 2000, in São Gonçalo, a working-class city in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area, Vinícius José Paes Nepomuceno Júnior grew up in a modest home where football was both passion and escape. Like many Brazilian legends before him, he began playing barefoot on dusty streets, using rolled-up socks as balls.
His talent was evident from childhood. At 9 years old, he joined Flamengo’s youth academy, one of Brazil’s most prestigious clubs. Coaches were stunned by his agility, balance, and fearless attacking instinct.
2. Professional Debut and Early Stardom
Vinícius made his professional debut for Flamengo in 2017 at just 16 years old. In 38 appearances, he scored 5 goals and provided 4 assists, dazzling fans with his flair and maturity. His performances earned him the Brazilian Young Player of the Year award in 2017.
But even greater attention came from Europe.
Related: Kevin De Bruyne Then and Now
The Rise: From Teen Sensation to Real Madrid (2018–2021)
1. A €45 Million Gamble by Real Madrid
In May 2018, at just 18 years old, Real Madrid secured a landmark deal to sign Vinícius Júnior for €45 million—a massive investment in a teenager with immense potential but limited senior experience.
The move came with pressure. Real Madrid, a club of legends, had high expectations. And Vinícius wasn’t immediately a starter. His early seasons (2018–2020) were marked by growing pains:
- Struggled with consistency
- Criticized for over-dribbling
- Played mostly as a rotation player
But behind the scenes, he trained relentlessly, honing his finishing, decision-making, and defensive contribution.
2. Breakthrough Under Zidane and Ancelotti
With the return of Zinedine Zidane and later Carlo Ancelotti, Vinícius began to flourish. By the 2021–22 season, he had transformed into a match-winning force:
- Scored 22 goals and 20 assists in all competitions
- Became a vital part of the attack alongside Karim Benzema
- Delivered in crucial Champions League knockout games
His performance in the 2022 UEFA Champions League final—where he scored the winning goal against Liverpool—cemented his status as a clutch performer and a true Madridista.
Related: Jude Bellingham Then and Now
Now: The Crowned Prince of Madrid (2022–2025)
1. Champions League Hero and Ballon d’Or Contender
Vinícius’ goal in the 2022 Champions League final was more than a moment of brilliance—it was a symbolic coronation. After years of criticism and doubt, he had delivered on the biggest stage.
By 2023–24, he was Real Madrid’s talisman:
- La Liga Champion (2022, 2024)
- UEFA Champions League Winner (2022)
- FIFA Club World Cup Winner (2022)
- UEFA Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup Winner
In the 2023–24 season, he recorded 24 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, leading Madrid’s attack with relentless energy and creativity.
He emerged as a top contender for the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Brazilian since Kaká (2007) to be in serious contention.
2. Tactical Evolution: More Than Just a Winger
Once seen as a pure dribbler, Vinícius has evolved into a complete forward:
- Improved finishing and composure
- Greater defensive work rate
- Smarter positional play
- Leadership on the pitch
Under Ancelotti, he often plays as a left-winger in a 4-3-3, cutting inside to shoot or combine with Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo. His chemistry with Bellingham—especially in the 2023–24 season—became one of football’s most devastating partnerships.
3. Record-Breaking Achievements
By mid-2024, Vinícius had achieved remarkable milestones:
- Over 100 goals and assists for Real Madrid
- Youngest player to score in two Champions League finals (if he scores in 2024)
- Most dribbles completed in La Liga (2022–2024)
- Named in the UEFA Team of the Year (2022, 2023)
He also won the La Liga Player of the Season award in 2022.
Related: Cristiano Ronaldo Then and Now
International Career: Brazil’s Flaming Torchbearer
1. A Star in the Seleção
Vinícius has been a key figure for the Brazil national team since his debut in 2019. Though Brazil’s recent tournaments (Copa América 2019, 2021; World Cup 2022) ended in disappointment, Vinícius stood out for his pace, directness, and fearlessness.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he was Brazil’s most dangerous attacker, scoring in the group stage and consistently troubling defenses. Many believe he will lead Brazil’s next golden generation.
2. Advocacy and National Pride
Vinícius is more than a player—he’s a symbol of hope and pride for millions of Brazilians, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. He often speaks about his roots, saying:
“I play for every kid in the favela who dreams of making it.”
He’s also a vocal advocate for racial equality, using his platform to fight against the racism he has endured throughout his career.
Standing Against Racism: A Courageous Voice
One of the most defining aspects of Vinícius’ career has been his public battle against racism.
Throughout his time in Spain, he has been subjected to:
- Monkey chants from opposing fans
- Racist abuse on social media
- Systemic under-punishment from football authorities
In May 2023, the issue reached a boiling point when a fan threw a banana at him during a match against Valencia. Vinícius responded by lifting his Real Madrid jersey to reveal a T-shirt with the message: “Racism is bigger than football.”
His courage sparked global outrage and led to:
- Increased pressure on La Liga and UEFA to enforce anti-racism measures
- Support from stars like Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Cristiano Ronaldo
- A UN campaign against racism in sports
In 2023, he was awarded the UEFA President’s Award for his fight against discrimination—a rare honor for an active player.
Related: Mohamed Salah Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Despite his fame, Vinícius remains grounded. He is married to Gabriela Magalhães, a Brazilian model and influencer, and they have a son, Romeu, born in 2022—a moment he called “the greatest goal of my life.”
He is known for:
- His charity work in Brazil, including funding schools and sports programs
- His loyalty to family and friends
- His love for funk music and Brazilian culture
He often shares moments from his life in Madrid and Brazil on Instagram, where he has over 50 million followers, making him one of the most influential athletes on social media.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Vinícius Júnior represents a new era in football:
- Talent with conviction
- Speed with substance
- Fame with a mission
He’s not just a footballer—he’s a cultural icon:
- Inspiration for young players in Brazil and beyond
- Symbol of resistance against racism
- Embodiment of the modern attacking winger
His jersey is one of the best-selling in the world, and his signature celebrations—like the “shhh” gesture toward critics—have become iconic.
Conclusion: Vinícius Júnior – The Future Is Now
From the dusty streets of São Gonçalo to the sacred turf of the Santiago Bernabéu, Vinícius Júnior’s journey is one of triumph over adversity, talent honed by fire, and dreams realized through relentless belief.
He is no longer the “next Neymar” or a “young talent.”
He is Vinícius Júnior—a legend in the making, a voice for the voiceless, and the beating heart of Real Madrid’s attack.
As he continues to dazzle, score, and stand tall in the face of hatred, one thing is certain:
The world hasn’t seen the best of Vinícius yet.
And when he reaches his peak?
It might just be beautiful, unstoppable, and historic.
🔥 “They tried to silence me with hate. I answered with goals.” – Vinícius Júnior
Related: Lionel Messi Then and Now