Brazil’s star striker Vinicius Jr has spoken about his upbringing and the crucial role his grandmother played in his life, while reaffirming his commitment to fighting racism and inspiring future generations with his performances.
IMAGE: Vinicius Jr scored four goals, the most by any Brazilian player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Photograph: Nathan Ray Seebeck/Reuters
Key Points
- Vinicius Jr paid an emotional tribute to his grandmother, noting her unwavering support and sacrifices for helping shape his upbringing and helping him pursue a career that led to Real Madrid and Brazil.
- The Brazilian striker said his work against racism was more meaningful than his achievements on the pitch and vowed to use his platform to inspire young people and support those facing racial discrimination.
- Vinicius expressed his pride in representing Brazil at his second World Cup, where he scored four goals, as the five-time champions prepare to face Japan in the round of 16.
Brazil and Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr spoke to Brazil’s Globo TV about his personal journey, his deep emotional connection with his grandmother and his ongoing fight against racism in football, as well as reflecting on his World Cup dream and career milestones.
Vinicius Jr. spoke at length about the role his grandmother played in shaping his early life, citing her as one of the most important influences in his upbringing.
How Grandma Influenced Vinicius’ Journey
“My grandmother is a very important person in my life. I lived with her until I was 16. When you started talking, I already knew it was her,” he told Globo TV.
He remembered growing up in a small house with his family and the deep support his grandmother gave him as a child.
“She is a very important person to me because my father always lived far away. So I always had my mother and siblings with my grandmother, who always did everything. The house was very small, I slept with her. I even ran out of words. She is the person who marked my life.”
The energetic forward also stressed that his influence off the pitch matters more than his achievements on it.
“These achievements off the field are much more important than on the field because I can help so many more people,” he said.
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Vinicius promises to continue the fight against racism
Vinicius, one of the world’s most influential voices against racial discrimination in football, has reaffirmed his commitment to fighting racism and using his platform to inspire future generations.
During his Real Madrid career, he repeatedly faced racist abuse in stadiums across Europe, incidents that led to investigations, legal proceedings and wider discussions in the sport about tackling racism.
“Let evolution continue so that the next generation does not suffer from racism. “I want to continue to do great things on the field, but also inspire young people and fight for all the black people who don’t have a voice like I do,” he said.
World Cup dream drives Brazil star
Reflecting on his journey to the World Cup, the 25-year-old expressed his pride in representing Brazil on football’s biggest stage.
In the current 23rd edition of the tournament, Vinicius has scored four goals, currently the most by a Brazilian, and also provided one assist.
“I have always dreamed of playing in the World Cup and now I am in second place. There is nothing better than representing your country and all those players who dreamed of getting here. It seems easy, but these have been years of struggle,” he added.
Brazil will face Japan in the round of 16 on Monday (June 29) with a place in the round of 16 on the line.
The five-time champions, finishing top of Group C, extended their remarkable record of leading their World Cup group for the 12th consecutive tournament.
Brazil have finished first in their group at every World Cup since 1982, maintaining a remarkable 44-year streak of group stage dominance.
