Flamengo graduate, Vini Jr answers 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 shown 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, everything I work for, and everything I’ve 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’s nothing better than shining at a World Cup, the place where I always dreamed of being, in front of my family. I don’t think there’s anything better. We’re going to keep developing and improving throughout the competition. The hope inside us only grows -, concluded Vini Jr.

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

With the two goals against Scotland, Vini Jr reached four goals in the 2026 World Cup. In addition, in the match against Haiti, the No. 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 the Brazil shirt, Vini Jr has recorded 52 appearances for the Brazilian National Team and 14 goals scored. In this way, the forward is the main hope of the ‘Seleção’ to win a sixth World Cup title.

What did Carlo Ancelotti say about Vini Jr?

– It’s satisfying (to see Vini shining) 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, and he also scored with a header, which is very rare for him. I’m not the one who’s going to discover Vini. To 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 round of the World Cup, the match kicks off 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 its website, YouTube channel, 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.