Amidst a period of flux, soft speculations of a transfer out Real Madrid under new manager, star forward Vinicius Junior says he is solely focused on the next season and how he wants to leave a legacy beyond the grass, green baize.
He tells GQ in an interview: “I’ve already achieved a lot, but my dreams are far from over. I want to win more trophies with my club, win the biggest competitions with the national team, and continue inspiring the next generation to believe in themselves. My biggest dream is to leave a legacy that goes beyond football, especially with all the work I’m doing through my foundation to improve the education system in Brazil.”
The 25-year-old was raised in Sao Goncalo, a crammed and nondescript neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro. Crime and poverty are bedfellows. “I don’t even know where to start. It was so far away that it seemed impossible to get here. I was a kid who only played football barefoot on the streets of São Gonçalo, close to poverty and crime. Getting here is something very important to me,” he had once said.
So he wants to be a role model for millions of aspiring footballers from remote nooks of the world. “I take the responsibility of being a role model very seriously. Being a role model is about setting the right example. I try to stay focused, humble, and remember where I come from. Ultimately, I want to show people that, with hard work and respect, anything is possible,” he said.
“Playing at this level, for the biggest club in the world and for my national team, still feels like a dream. I know my journey inspires others, especially kids coming from where I’m from. And knowing that my story can motivate someone to pursue their own dreams means the world to me. Representing my team, my country, and my family on the biggest stages is something I’ll never take for granted,” he said.
His biggest inspiration, he says, are his parents. “(My parents) are my greatest inspiration. They worked so hard to give me the opportunities I have today. Their dedication, love, and sacrifice are what drive me forward every day. Everything I do is to make them proud,” he said.
In sports, his idols range from Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James to Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. “Cristiano Ronaldo has also inspired me with his incredible work and dedication; he never stops striving to be the best. LeBron James for the same reasons, but also for what he’s done for his community, proving that greatness goes beyond performance. And, of course, Brazilian legends like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar, who represent so much to the Brazilian people and to Brazilian football. They’ve shown the world the talent and joy we bring to the game,” he revealed.
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The move to Real Madrid, he says, has been his defining moment of his career. He has worn the most famous shirt in club football 206 times and scored 61 goals, won everything from league title to Champions League. “I think there have been many defining moments [in my career]. My professional debut with Flamengo, the move to Real Madrid, and then some unforgettable memories in the biggest competitions, like scoring in two Champions League finals. Each one of them has shaped who I am as a player and as a person,” he said.
But he keeps himself grounded. “[Celebrating success] is very important. Success is never achieved alone. In football, we all motivate each other to improve, and celebrating each other’s achievements helps build a positive and supportive environment. It’s about respect and recognising the effort everyone puts in, even if they’re on a different team or in a different industry.”
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
