Neymar vs Vinicius comparisons: the early years
With two goals in the Copa Libertadores for Flamengo, Vinicius Junior is again being held up against one of world football's current superstars when he started out.
The comparisons between Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Neymar are constant and will continue as Flamengo's new jewel in the crown keeps taking steps in his fledgling career.
Neymar vs Vinicius: early comparisons
His latest significant step was his contribution to his club with two excellently taken goals in the Copa Libertadores. With these, he overtook PSG's Brazilian ace in most goals scored in the top flight there. It is not the first time that Vinicius has exceeded on Neymar's records. Here are a few of the comparisons being made, some more valid than others...
First contractual release clause
Neymar's first professional contract, signed at age 14, stipulated a release clause of 20 million euros. Vinicius, who signed his at 16, had one of 24 million.
First professional salary
In that same contract, the salary Neymar received as a professional footballer from Santos was 1.1 million per year. Vinicius, meanwhile, went on to earn 1.7 million.
Professional debut
Neymar debuted for Santos on March 7, 2009, at the age of 17 years and one month, in a match against Oeste. Vinicius appeared at 16 years and 10 months against Atlético Mineiro.
First professional goal
Neymar scored his first professional goal against Mogi Mirim when he was 17 years and one month. Vinicius opened his scoring at the same age. Palestino, in the Copa Sudamericana, were on the receiving end.
First goal in the Copa Libertadores
Neymar's first goal in the Libertadores came in March 2011 against Colo Colo in Chile. He was 19 years and a month old. Vinicius did it on Wednesday against Emelec at 17 years and 8 months.
Goals after 1,500 minutes
Neymar had scored seven times by the time he had reached his first 1,500 minutes as a professional player. Vinicius, after the same time, had managed to score 8.
Starter in first 25 games
Across his first 25 games with Santos, Neymar started in eight games. Vinicius, on the other hand, was in Flamengo's starting lineup in just four of those 25 times.
First yellow card
Neymar's first yellow card as a professional came in his fourth game, against Gremio. Vinicius took seven games to see his first card. That was shown to him against Ponte Preta.
Goals with Brazil U-17
Neymar managed to score a goal in the three games he played with the U-17 of Brazil at the World Cup. Vinicius scored 12, however did not go to the World Cup as he had to stay with Flamengo.
Debut with Brazil
Neymar debuted with Brazil at age 18 and six months in a friendly against the USA, where he also scored. Vinicius has not yet been called up by Tite.