A message that left him in tears

Vinícius Júnior has become one of the faces of Brazil’s World Cup campaign, but his most emotional moment this week came away from the pitch.

During an appearance on the Brazilian programme Domingão com Huck, the Real Madrid forward was shown a video message from his grandmother, Nilza. The message left him in tears and offered a rare look at the family story behind one of football’s most visible stars.

According to Juan Lopesino in AS’ report on Vinícius’ emotional interview, the 25-year-old explained how important his grandmother had been during his childhood.

“She is a very special person because my father always lived far away, so I always had my mother and my siblings with my grandmother,” Vinícius said. “The house was small, so I slept with her for many days. I am speechless; she marked my life. I know there is a time for people to leave, so I treasure every moment with her. They did everything possible for my dream to become reality. Seeing her happy is priceless.”

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The scene underlined how strongly Vinícius still connects his success to the people who helped him reach this point. His career is global now, but his motivation remains personal.

Brazil chase the sixth star

Vinícius also spoke about the pressure that follows Brazil at every World Cup. The country has not won the tournament since 2002, and every new generation is measured against the same target: the sixth star.

“This is a generation that fights hard to take Brazil back to the top,” he said. “The sixth star is taking too long to arrive. We have learned a lot in recent years. Many players took part in the last Copa América. Ancelotti gives us freedom, calm and hope of returning to the top.”

Brazil’s campaign has already given supporters reason to believe. Vinícius has scored four goals in three matches, including two in the 3-0 win over Scotland that sent Brazil into the knockout stage as group winners.

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As reported by ABC News in its account of Brazil’s win over Scotland, only Lionel Messi had more goals than Vinícius at that stage of the tournament.

Ancelotti’s calm influence

Vinícius credited Carlo Ancelotti with giving Brazil a clearer and calmer identity. The Italian coach knows him well from Real Madrid, and that relationship appears to have helped the forward carry his club confidence into the national team.

“Having Neymar, Casemiro, Alex Sandro, Danilo and Marquinhos, who have a lot of experience, gives us a lot of freedom so that we, the younger players, have space,” Vinícius said. “I am only 25, but we have a very good group coming through with Endrick and Rayan.”

That blend of experience and youth has become one of Brazil’s strengths. Neymar’s presence offers authority, even as his role is managed carefully, while Vinícius has taken on a more decisive attacking responsibility.

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For a player who has sometimes faced criticism over his Brazil performances, this World Cup has already changed the conversation.

A fight bigger than football

Vinícius also used the interview to speak about racism, a subject he has addressed repeatedly during his career in Spain and beyond.

For him, the issue has become bigger than trophies, goals or individual awards.

“These achievements off the field are much more important than those I get on it, because I help many more people,” he said. “Of course progress is slow, but I hope it continues so the next generation does not suffer. I have a seven-year-old brother and I hope he does not suffer racism. I want to achieve great things on the field, but also keep inspiring young Black people who do not have the voice that I have.”

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It was one of the strongest lines of the interview. Vinícius is still chasing football’s biggest prizes, but he clearly sees his platform as part of a wider responsibility.

A player at his peak

Vinícius believes he has arrived at the World Cup in the best condition of his career.

“I said before the competition that I was in my best technical, physical and psychological shape,” he said. “I worked very hard during the season to be 100%. I did not have any injury, I did not miss any Real Madrid match, in order to be 100%. The more you work, the luckier you get.”

He also joked about one unusual part of his recent scoring run.

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“I do not usually score headers,” he said. “Today there was a bet with the coach. I have only scored two or three headers in my career. I will have to choose the gift.”

The humour came after the tears, but both moments told the same story. Vinícius is carrying emotion, expectation and ambition into the knockout rounds. Brazil want the sixth star. He wants to help deliver it, while using his voice for something that reaches far beyond the tournament.