Vinicius Jr. reflects on childhood and family support
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Vinicius Jr., the Real Madrid footballer, recalled his upbringing in São Gonçalo, Brazil, and how his family’s sacrifices shaped his life.
He grew up in a small home where he shared a bedroom with his grandmother while his mother and sister shared another. His father left home for work in São Paulo when Vinicius was between six and seven years old, seeking to provide financial stability for the family.
Vinicius viewed playing football as a way to support his family, prioritizing their well-being over personal glory. Despite facing a somewhat dangerous environment, he remained focused on his goal, always careful and surrounded by positive influences. His father first introduced him to football, taking him to Flamengo’s training grounds, and initially Vinicius trained with older children.
At age sixteen, Vinicius signed his first professional contract with Flamengo, which allowed his father to stop working and rejoin the family in Rio de Janeiro. He credits his father with instilling in him values like humility and discipline, even tying rewards to athletic achievements. Vinicius emphasized that despite financial hardship, his family remained close and happy together.
