Last Tuesday (17), Vini Jr surpassed football giants such as Lionel Messi, Rodri, and Kylian Mbappé, and won the Best Player in the World award in the FIFA 2024.
The forward from Real Madrid became the first Brazilian to win this award since Kaká in 2007. Vini Jr helped Real Madrid secure the Champions League and La Liga, being one of the standout players for the Spanish club in the 2023/24 season, with impressive numbers and the ability to decide matches.
Season Statistics of Vini Jr
Vini Jr was voted Best Player in the World by 88 captains (55% of the total), 77 journalists (51%), and 55 coaches (44%). The player, who comes from Flamengo, scored 26 goals and provided 11 assists in 49 matches, and it is not an exaggeration to say that these exceptional performances helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Super Cup, the La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Champions League.
Other Brazilians who won the Best Player in the World award
After 17 years, Brazil once again has the best player in the world. Vini Jr is the sixth Brazilian to win this award. In addition to Kaká, other players who have won this award include Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Ronaldo Fenômeno, Rivaldo, and Romário.
Forward emphasized his origins in São Gonçalo and thanked Flamengo
The forward highlighted his humble beginnings in São Gonçalo, in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro, and gave a special thanks to Flamengo. He stated:
“It seems impossible to come this far. I was still a child, playing barefoot in the streets of São Gonçalo, near a risk area. Getting here is very important to me. I do this for many children who think it is impossible, but they can do it too. I thank my family, who gave up their dreams and started living for mine. Today, my team put me here. I want to continue playing for Real Madrid for a long time because it is the greatest club in the world. I can’t forget to thank Flamengo, who saw me on the field, on the street. Without Flamengo, I wouldn’t have gotten here.”
Exploring the story of Vini Jr
Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, better known as Vini Jr, began his football career at Flamengo at the age of 6 years. The kid from São Gonçalo stood out in the youth ranks of Mengão, showcasing talents that were not consistent with his age.
At only 9 years, Vini Jr tried out for a futsal category, but due to being very young, he was not approved. In the following years, he joined the youth categories of Flamengo, and at the age of 15 years, he helped the team win the Votorantim Cup, one of the largest youth football tournaments in Brazil, which made him noticed nationally and internationally.
Reflecting on his difficult journey, Vinícius said that his goal is to be an example for children who dream of following the football path. He expressed special thanks to Flamengo, to Real Madrid, and to his teammates from the Brazilian National Team for their help and impact on his career.
A new chapter in his professional career
With his impressive talent, Vini Jr soon caught the attention of various clubs. At the age of 16 years, he signed a contract with Flamengo, and in 2018 he was transferred to Real Madrid for 45 million euros, a historic amount for Brazilian football, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Vinícius' career.
7 moments that made Vini Jr the Best Player in the World
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Goal in the Champions League final
Vini Jr scored the decisive goal in the final of the Champions League, securing the title for Real Madrid. -
Double in the Champions semifinal against Bayern
In the semifinal of the Champions League against Bayern Munich, he scored two goals and had a brilliant performance. -
Hat-trick in the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona
In the final of the Spanish Super Cup, Vini Jr scored three goals, helping Real Madrid defeat Barcelona 4-1. -
Two goals in a great performance against Girona
He scored two goals in the victory against Girona, helping Real Madrid secure three points and putting pressure on the opposing defense. -
Assist and goal in the Champions against Manchester City
In the tough quarterfinal match of the Champions League against Manchester City, Vinícius stood out with one goal and one assist. -
Two goals against Valencia in La Liga
In a La Liga match against Valencia, Vini Jr scored two goals, leading Real Madrid to a 5-1 victory. -
Goal against Paraguay in Copa América
Despite Brazil's loss to Paraguay in the Copa América, Vini Jr scored a goal and was one of the standout players of the match.
Next Match
Vini Jr hopes to end his journey in Qatar with a FIFA Club World Cup Championship title. Next Wednesday (18), at 2 PM (Brasília time), Real Madrid will face Pachuca in the final of the competition.
Recommended Reading:
FIFA 2024 Best Player Award: Vini Jr, Lionel Messi and Rodri among the nominees
