Vinícius Júnior scores in every game and takes on a leading role for Brazil.

Vinícius Júnior has just shattered all the labels that followed him in the Brazilian national team, finally becoming the hero that millions of fans have longed to see. Three games, three goals, three stunning performances: the new leading star of Brazilian football is clearly taking the reins of the squad, precisely at a time when the country needed a leader the most.

The 25-year-old winger from Real Madrid scored in every match of the group stage of the World Cup, including a spectacular brace against Scotland in the 3-0 victory in Miami. After the final whistle, Vinícius left an emotional message on social media: “I’m so happy to see you happy. I’m living a dream. This is Brazil,” he wrote, accompanying the words with the celebratory pose that has already become a trademark of Jude Bellingham. Just as the Englishman shouted “Who else?” after scoring in Euro 2024, Vinícius made a point of showing the world that he has reached the level of the greats.

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Vinícius’s rise to prominence was not automatic. He made his debut for the national team in 2019, in a friendly match against Peru, and spent most of the Copa América in 2021 on the bench. He only scored his first goal in his 19th match, in a 4-0 rout of Chile in 2022, during the World Cup qualifying phase. In Qatar, he arrived as a European champion, having decided the Champions League final for Real Madrid, but his performance fell short of expectations: one goal and two assists, with Brazil being eliminated in the quarter-finals by Croatia. At that time, Neymar was still the main figure of the national team.

A serious injury to Neymar in October 2023, during a qualifying match against Uruguay, drastically changed the landscape. The weight of a demanding and impatient nation shifted to Vinícius, Rodrygo, and, to a lesser extent, Raphinha. Now without Neymar’s shadow, Vini Jr. arrived at the Copa América with the responsibility of being the new beacon but once again faltered in decisive moments, being suspended during the elimination against Uruguay.

Raphinha, for his part, has had a troubled path with the national team. Despite his success at Barcelona, he continues to face criticism in Brazil, especially after provocative statements and not delivering on the pitch. “I have already given a lot to the national team. The affection from Brazilian fans is different from what I feel abroad. If I have to prove something, it is for myself and my family. I know there are those who do not like my football. That’s fine,” he recently vented. A muscle injury right in the opening match opened the door for Rayan, a young player who has been impressive and may retain his starting position in the upcoming Round of 16 clash against Japan.

Meanwhile, Vinícius Júnior has dispelled any doubts about his status. He shone against Morocco with a stunning goal, was decisive against Haiti, and only VAR prevented him from equalling Pelé as the only Brazilian to score a hat-trick in a World Cup since 1958 in the match against Scotland. He was named man of the match in all three group games, joining a list of legends such as Pelé, Ronaldo, Romário, Rivaldo, and Garrincha, having scored in every match of the group stage. He now has four goals in three games, having only scored nine in 49 international appearances prior to the tournament.

Walter Casagrande, former Brazilian international and now a commentator, stated that Vinícius “is sitting at the same table as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé,” given the level at which he is performing, being a contender for both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball of the tournament. Meanwhile, Paulo Vinicius Coelho, a respected journalist, considers him the “hero of resilience” and questions: “Why do fans still chant Neymar’s name and not Vinícius Júnior’s?” Interestingly, Neymar continues to receive more applause when he enters the field than any goal from Vinícius, something that many believe may even be benefiting the new star, freeing him from media pressure.

The influence of Carlo Ancelotti is undeniable in this evolution. The Italian coach, known for his human management skills, has been fundamental both at Real Madrid and now with the national team. Ancelotti admits that Vinícius “doesn’t work much without the ball,” but praises his development and finishing ability. Vinícius himself does not hide his admiration: “He is one of the best coaches in the world. He adapted to us and understood how we should play. We are evolving a lot in this competition,” he assured during the national team’s training camp.

With the quarter-finals approaching and the possibility of facing England, the expectations surrounding Vinícius Júnior have never been higher. If he maintains this pace, he could finally win the hearts of Brazilian fans and firmly establish himself as the new national idol. It remains to be seen if Raphinha will regain his spot, if Rayan will solidify his starting position, and above all, if Vinícius will maintain his status as a hero in a World Cup where only true stars survive the weight of the yellow jersey.

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