Official: Real Madrid superstar named UEFA Champions League Player of the Week | OneFootball

UEFA Champions League returned to action for the first time in 2026 earlier this week, with Matchday 7 throwing up some exciting matches and huge results.

Real Madrid were pitted against Ligue 1 side AS Monaco at the Santiago Bernabeu in what was Alvaro Arbeloa’s managerial debut in the European competition.

The game ended in a stunning 6-1 win for Los Blancos, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a brace while Franco Mastantuono, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham also getting on the scoresheet.

Along with his goal, Vinicius also grabbed two assists on the night at the Santiago Bernabeu. It has now earned him the UEFA Champions League Player of the Week honour.

The Brazilian superstar has managed to beat competition from Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez, Luis Suarez of Sporting CP, and Robert Navarro of Athletic Club.

Having been constantly booed and whistled at by fans at the Bernabeu in recent matches, Vinicius was able to turn them into cheers with his brilliant performance against Monaco.

It has not been an easy season for the 25-year-old Real Madrid talisman, and he will hope to build on his Champions League performance this week and go on a strong run, helping his team go the distance in La Liga and Europe.

So far this term, Vinicius has played 30 matches in all competitions, registering a return of only seven goals and 11 assists – numbers well below the standard he has set for himself in recent years.