BRAZIL
Vinicius: headline act at Wembley and Bernabéu
The Brazilian leads the Samba Boys at Wembley and then the Santiago Bernabéu in two high profile rehearsals ahead of the 2024 Copa América.
It’s an international break with a special aura for Vinicius Junior. Wearing the canary yellow jersey is always invigorating, but the level of excitement must surely multiply when in the same week one leads Brazil first at Wembley against England and then at the Santiago Bernabéu against Spain. Vinicius is well aware of this.
“I enjoy playing against the best,” he stated in a brief interview for the Brazilian Football Confederation media. “It gives me pride and is a great thrill to play at the Bernabéu, which is my home, wearing the shirt of my national team.”
Real Madrid’s Vini focused on Copa América
The ultimate goal is the Copa América. For Vini, it’s the quest for his first major title with the Brazilian senior team. He has been a champion in the South American Under-15 and Under-17 Championships, but he has yet to debut at the ultimate level. “We are increasingly prepared for that tournament,” asserted the attacker, “and for that, we need great matches.”
For Real Madrid, it’s another focal point for their internationals. Rodrygo, Militao, and Valverde will also be there. On the other side of the pond, in Euro 2024, players like Bellingham, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Kroos, Rüdiger, Modric, plus those chosen by De la Fuente, presumably with Carvajal and Joselu on that list, will be attractions. Lunin still has to wait and see as Ukraine is immersed in the playoff to earn a spot.
What jersey number will Vinicius wear for Brazil?
For Vinicius, this Copa America will be the first major tournament he attends as one of the main leaders of the Canarinha. Without Neymar, Vini leads this new generation. Also symbolically, because he has already taken on the number 7, the same one he wears in the Madrid team. And he does so with things going well for his club (six goals in his last four games) and aiming to improve his tally with Brazil.
There, his production moves more slowly. Just three goals in 26 matches. But it’s on the rise. Two of those goals have come in his last eight games with the Seleçao, including the one he scored in the Qatar World Cup. Now, he faces England and Spain, those “big games” that Vinicius demands.