Vinicius Jr opens up about his grandmother’s influence, his fight against racism, and Brazil’s World Cup dream before the Round of 32 showdown against Japan.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has delivered an emotional message ahead of Brazil’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Japan, speaking candidly about his personal journey, his family’s sacrifices, and his ongoing battle against racism in football.
In an interview with Brazilian broadcaster Globo TV, the 25-year-old reflected on the people who shaped his life, particularly his grandmother, who played a vital role during his childhood. Vinicius revealed that he lived with her until the age of 16 and credited her unwavering support for helping him pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
“My grandmother is a very important person in my life. I lived with her until I was 16 years old. When you started speaking, I already knew it was her,” Vinicius said. He recalled growing up in a small house alongside his mother and siblings, explaining that his grandmother became the family’s pillar while his father worked away from home. “She’s a person who marked my life,” he added.
The Brazil international also stressed that the impact he creates away from football is more meaningful than his achievements on the pitch. According to Vinicius, using his platform to help others and inspire young people gives him greater satisfaction than personal accolades.
Vinicius Jr once again reaffirmed his commitment to fighting racism, an issue he has confronted repeatedly during his career with Real Madrid. The winger has been subjected to racist abuse in several stadiums across Europe, incidents that have sparked investigations and intensified global discussions about discrimination in football.
“May the evolution continue so that the next generation doesn’t suffer from racism. I want to keep doing great things on the field, but also inspire young people and fight for all Black people who don’t have the voice that I have,” he said.
Looking back on his FIFA World Cup journey, Vinicius expressed pride in representing Brazil on football’s biggest stage. He described playing in the tournament as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream after years of hard work and perseverance.
The Brazilian star has enjoyed an impressive campaign in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, scoring four goals—the most by any Brazil player in the tournament—while also contributing an assist. His performances have been instrumental in Brazil’s unbeaten run to the knockout stages.
Brazil now face Japan in the Round of 32 on June 29 (local time), with a place in the last 16 on the line. The five-time world champions entered the knockout phase after finishing top of Group C, extending their remarkable record of topping their World Cup group for a 12th consecutive tournament. Brazil have finished first in their group at every FIFA World Cup since 1982, underlining their consistency as they continue their pursuit of a sixth world title.
