Flamengo product Vini Jr hits back at critics, leads Brazil at World Cup | OneFootball

Vini Jr is one of the top scorers of the 2026 World Cup

The runner-up top scorer of the 2026 World Cup, behind only Messi, Vinicius Júnior has fully taken on a leading role for the Brazilian National Team. Despite criticism for not being able to replicate the performances he has always delivered at club level, the Flamengo academy product said he always believed in his own talent.

— I knew I was going to improve because of the talent I have, because of all the work I put in and everything I have done at Real Madrid up to now. I knew that, at the right moment, I would shine wearing the Brazilian National Team shirt -, he said, before concluding:

— There is nothing better than shining at a World Cup, the place I always dreamed of being, in front of my family. I don’t think there is anything better. We are going to grow and improve throughout the competition. Our hope only keeps growing -, concluded Vini Jr.

What are Vini Jr’s numbers at the World Cup?

With the two goals against Scotland, Vini Jr reached four goals at the 2026 World Cup. In addition, in the match against Haiti, the number 7 provided an assist for Matheus Cunha’s goal. In other words, the Flamengo academy product is Brazil’s standout player in the world tournament.

In addition, wearing Brazil’s shirt, Vini Jr has amassed 52 appearances for the Brazilian National Team and 14 goals scored. Thus, the forward is the main hope of the ‘Seleção’ in the quest for a sixth World Cup title.

What did Carlo Ancelotti say about Vini Jr?

– It is gratifying (to see Vini shine) because I had no doubt about how he could arrive at this World Cup. For him, it is an honor to play for the National Team. He is doing very well, he also scored with a header, which is very rare for him. I’m not the one who is going to discover Vini. For me, Vini is top class. He is obviously one of the best in the world -, said Brazil’s coach.

What is Brazil’s next match?

With Vini Jr available, the Brazilian National Team returns to the field on Monday (29) to face Japan. In the second phase of the World Cup, the ball starts rolling at 2 p.m. (Brasília time), at NGR Stadium in Houston.

So, as tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details of the match between Brazil and Japan through the website, YouTube and on social media. However, Globo (free-to-air TV), SBT (free-to-air TV), SporTV (pay TV channel) and CazéTV (YouTube) will broadcast the match.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.