"Indian fans love football & follow me closely": Vinicius Jr. on returning to India for India vs Brazil clash
Vinicius Jr. was the top goalscorer in the BRICS U-17 Cup in India that happened a decade ago.
A lot of things have changed in the last ten years, and also in Indian football. Football clubs, jersey numbers, silverware, and a lot of things. However, what remains unaltered is the boyish grin of a prodigy who never forgot where the quiet spark first caught fire.
This is the story of one of the greatest wingers in modern-day football, who came agonisingly close to winning the Ballon D’Or in 2024. The Real Madrid Galactico, who has won two UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga titles, is back in India after a decade for the high-profile India vs Brazil clash.
The Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, or Salt Lake Stadium, gears up to host the biggest game in Indian football history, as India takes on five-time world champions and the most successful team in FIFA World Cup history, Brazil.
After a disappointing early exit to Norway in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, Brazil are coming off a draw and a recent 4-2 win over Australia in Townsville and Brisbane.
Ahead of this marquee clash, Brazilian superstar Vini Jr turned the hands of the clock and took us back a decade ago when he arrived in India for the first time as a teenager with big dreams in his eyes.
India served as Vinicius Jr’s major launchpad onto the international stage
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Ten years ago, when the Brazil U-17 team arrived in Goa for the 2016 BRICS U-17 Football Cup, no one even heard the name of Vinicius. Today, he is the major star attraction in the Brazilian team, and he was seen smiling and signing autographs for fans after landing in India for the friendlies.
The 2016 BRICS U-17 Football Cup gave Vinicius his first taste of international dominance outside of South America. The São Gonçalo winger scored against India, Russia and South Africa to propel Brazil to the finals of the tournament with four wins.
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He even scored in the finals against South Africa and was the top goalscorer in the tournament with four goals.
In an interview with CBF, Vini said, “These are good memories because I came here when I was a boy. I didn’t know I would come back then; the fans already had a great affection for me because I came to these competitions, and then the U-17 World Cup happened, and I couldn’t come.”
Vini was seen signing autographs for fans in India
Vini has been the most trending name ever since the South American giants landed in India.
He carried his BRICS Cup form into the 2017 South American U-17 Championship in Chile, where Brazil won their 12th title, and Vini became the top goalscorer again.
He however, missed the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, which followed a few months later. He had nice things to say about the football fans in India and was seen smiling and signing autographs for fans.
“Everyone from India sent me messages; it’s an audience that follows me closely, loves football, loves Brazil, and I’m happy to be back here.”
When did Vinicius Jr. first come to India?
Vinicius Jr. first came to India in 2016 as part of the Brazil U-17 team for the BRICS U-17 Football Cup in Goa.
Why is Vinicius Jr. returning?
Vinicius Jr. is returning to India with the Brazil senior national team for their international friendly against India in Kolkata on October 3, 2026.
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