The goal itself will not make Vinicius’ already dazzling career-highlights real. But this was a moment — one where a supreme player said he would not be bowed by physicality and intimidation. Mercifully, it was a more cartoonish showing of his granite will. Vinicius has been forced to endure sickening racist abuse while on club duty with Real Madrid, the persistence of which is a horrific stain on the football authorities in Spain and the game at large.
In the face of that and other provocations, fans gravitate towards Vinicius because he’s the footballer you’d want to be, one who looks like he’s having the time of his life in moments like those in Nevada. He’s the latest embodiment of Brazil’s sometimes tired and distorted Jogo Bonito footballing ethos. And right then, with the score 3-0 and the game sewn up, he nodded towards the man who carried this flame for a decade but perhaps no longer does. Putting his open hands either side of his his head and sticking out his tongue, Vinicius did Neymar’s celebration.
Are Vinicius Jr and Neymar friends?
The narrative of the young pretender ascending to the throne is a well-worn one often laced with bitterness. But you’ll find none of that here.
Neymar was in the stands at Allegiant Stadium. The 32-year-old Al Hilal forward celebrated the goals scored by a man nine years his junior with a gusto rarely seen when he scores himself.
Since breaking into the Brazil national team in 2019, Neymar has taken Vinicius under his wing and the two have become firm friends.
After Vini scored to crown Real Madrids 2-0 UEFA Champions League final, Neymar told Bola that his compatriot should win the Ballon d’Or. This might surprise some, given Neymar’s career-long pursuit of football’s most prestigious individual a
