For Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid’s electrifying forward, the journey to global acclaim has been laden with both triumph and hardship. Tipped early on to reach the pinnacle of football, the 24-year-old Brazilian recently encountered a setback, finishing second to Rodri in the Ballon d’Or rankings despite being a favorite to win. In response, Vinicius took to social media, boldly declaring, “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.” This resolve encapsulates the player’s character—one who faces challenges head-on, both on and off the pitch.
Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has faced severe racial abuse in Spain. The young star, hailing from Sao Goncalo—a city outside Rio de Janeiro known for its crime and gang activity—was no stranger to adversity. But he was unprepared for the racism he would face in La Liga. Over the years, Spanish prosecutors have opened investigations into 21 racist incidents directed at him, with some perpetrators receiving prison sentences.
Despite the heavy toll of such incidents, Vinicius has emerged as a fierce advocate against racism in football, often taking a defiant stance. “I’m not a victim of racism. I’m the tormentor of racists,” he posted on social media earlier this year. His words have resonated widely, marking him as a leading voice in the fight against racism, especially within sports.
“He has an incredible courage,” says Carlos Noval, who has known Vinicius since he was 10 years old at Flamengo. According to Noval, people quickly recognized Vinicius as “built differently.” And his fearless approach on the field mirrors his stance off it; he’s been unapologetically vocal, taking a public stand against the racial abuse he has faced.
On the pitch, Vinicius has silenced critics with a remarkable rise in form and productivity. Once dismissed for lacking finesse, he has evolved into a formidable attacker, scoring 24 goals last season alongside nine assists in just 39 games. At 23 years and 325 days, Vinicius even broke Lionel Messi’s record as the youngest player to score in multiple Champions League finals. Already, this season, he has made an explosive start with eight goals and five assists in 15 games for Real Madrid.
Vinicius’ influence on the field has drawn praise from Real Madrid legends, with club vice-president Emilio Butragueno even comparing him to Pelé after a hat-trick performance against Borussia Dortmund. His former Brazil youth coach, Claudio Cacapa, commends Vinicius’ mental strength, remarking, “To have gone through everything he has and still be able to showcase all his football, that’s remarkable.”
Vinicius’ talent was apparent even in his teenage years. In early 2017, Liverpool expressed serious interest in him, hoping to sign the young forward before his profile skyrocketed. However, after Vinicius shined in the Under-17 South American Championship as the top scorer, Real Madrid quickly swooped in, securing him for a record-breaking €45 million. It was an unprecedented amount for a 16-year-old, but the investment has since paid off in spades.
Beyond his remarkable talent, Vinicius is known for his humility and generosity. Cacapa recalls a touching story from their time with Brazil’s Under-15 team, when Vinicius used his sponsorship deal to buy a phone, shoes, and clothing for a teammate who couldn’t communicate with his family. “To see a boy of that age with such a big heart…he obviously deserves the world,” Cacapa says.
For all his accomplishments, Vinicius’ fight goes beyond football. He remains a trailblazer in the fight against racial discrimination in sports, a role model for young players, and a beacon of hope for marginalized voices. At only 24, his journey is far from over. With a firm stance against racism and a fierce dedication to his craft, Vinicius Jr. is rewriting the story of what it means to be a champion—on and off the field.
