Vinícius Júnior was raised in a Catholic environment and, while he doesn’t make religion his headline, he regularly thanks God after big moments and carries a quiet spirituality into his life and work.
Quick Profile: Vinícius Júnior
| Full Name | Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior |
| Date of Birth | 12 July 2000 (age 25) in São Gonçalo, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Occupation | Professional footballer (Winger) |
| Current Team | Real Madrid (Spain) |
| Religion | Roman Catholic Christian |
| Salary | 20.83 million EUR (2025) |
What Religion is Vinícius Júnior?
Vinícius Júnior comes from a Roman Catholic background, unlike his turkish team-mate, Arda Güler who’s a muslim. He doesn’t make religion a public platform, but small, consistent gestures, like the sign of the cross before big matches and quick words of thanks to God after important goals show that faith is part of how he understands luck, talent and responsibility.
Rather than preaching, he keeps it private and lets it inform his humility, gratitude and charity work (for example through his Instituto Vini Jr.). In short: raised Catholic, quietly faithful, and expresses that belief through personal rituals and acts of gratitude rather than public sermons.
Early Life
Vinícius Júnior was born in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, into a poor but devout Catholic family. His father, José, recognized his talent early and took him to train with Flamengo’s youth teams when Vinícius was just six years old. Seeking the best opportunity, he later moved to live with his uncle (Ulisses) near Flamengo’s training complex. Despite financial hardship, his family’s faith and support helped him succeed in sport.
He quickly rose through Flamengo’s youth system and made his senior debut for the club in May 2017 at only 16 years old. He scored his first professional goal a few months later, showing flashes of the skill that would make him famous.
Club Career
After breaking through at Flamengo, Vinícius transferred to Real Madrid in 2018 for a record fee for a teenager. He gradually earned a place in the first team and became known for his lightning pace and flair on the wing.
A career highlight came in May 2022, when he scored the only goal in the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool – securing Real Madrid’s 14th European Cup. He has since been a key player as Madrid won more trophies, including La Liga titles. His success on the field has made him a household name worldwide, but he remains humble and grounded by his beliefs.
International Career
Vinícius has also been a regular for the Brazilian national team. He debuted for Brazil’s senior side in 2019 and scored his first international goals during the 2021–22 World Cup qualifying campaign. He was part of the Brazil squad at the 2022 World Cup and helped his country reach the final of the 2021 Copa América. He continues to represent Brazil in major tournaments, bringing the same faith-driven determination to the national team that he shows at his club.
Personal Life and Faith
Off the pitch, Vinícius lives modestly and stays close to his family, reflecting the humility often associated with his faith. He reportedly lives in Madrid with his parents, siblings, and other relatives rather than in a lavish separate house. Above all, his Catholic faith guides him. He frequently posts Bible verses and prayers on social media after games and setbacks, thanking God for his blessings. For example, after a long wait to score, he dedicated his goal by proclaiming “Glory to God for everything!” His tattoos even reflect his beliefs: he has one with a cross and the phrase “blessed by God,” and another symbolizing his life’s dream to play football.
In recognition of his positive influence, Vinícius was named a UNESCO Champion for Sport in 2022. He channels his faith into charitable action through the Instituto Vini Jr, which uses education and sports to help youth in Brazil. In interviews he often says that helping others and thanking God are “a big part of who he is”.
Awards and Honors
- Club (Real Madrid): 3× La Liga champion (2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24); 2× UEFA Champions League winner (2021–22, 2023–24); Copa del Rey (2022–23); Supercopa de España (2020, 2022, 2024); plus UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup titles.
- International (Brazil): Copa América runner-up (2021)
- Individual: UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season (2021–22); UEFA Champions League Player of the Season (2023–24); Samba Gold (Brazilian player of the year, 2023); FIFA FIFPRO World XI (2023, 2024); The Best FIFA Men’s Player (2024); and multiple La Liga Player of the Month awards (2021, 2024, & 2025)
Endorsements and Earnings
Vinícius is one of football’s top earners. His net worth is estimated around $55 million, and he earns roughly $40 million per year in salary (making him one of the world’s highest-paid players). He has major sponsorship deals with global brands, most notably Nike – a partnership he has had since his early teens – and in 2024 he signed a new contract extending that deal. He is also a brand ambassador for Gatorade, Pepsi, and Unilever.
Trivia
- In May 2022 Vinícius scored the winning goal in the Champions League final, a moment that made him a hero among Real Madrid fans
- In May 2023, as a gesture of support after he endured racist abuse, the lights on Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue were switched off for an hour. This unusual tribute underscored his status in Brazil.
- He is only the second footballer (after Pelé) ever named a UNESCO Champion for Sport (an ambassadorship for education and culture)
- Vinícius is well known for his joyful goal celebrations, often dancing or pointing upward to thank God.
- His tattoos include religious imagery and phrases. One features a cross with the words “blessed by God,” reflecting his belief that he is guided and protected by his faith.
