Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr reveals why Cristiano Ronaldo & NBA star LeBron James are his inspirations

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :August 2, 2025 at 9:09 PM

Modified at :August 2, 2025 at 9:09 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

The Brazilian has won two Champions League trophies at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has revealed why he draws inspiration from NBA legend LeBron James and football great Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brazil international also holds Neymar, Ronaldinho, and R9 in high regard as fellow compatriots. Each of them has demonstrated what it takes to achieve “greatness beyond performance” at the top.

Vini, who won the Champions League and was a candidate for the Ballon d’Or, plans to follow in their footsteps. He aspires to learn from the greatest of all time in ways that go beyond their chosen fields.

Vinicius Jr names players who inspire him

Speaking to GQ about his role models, Vinicius said: “Cristiano Ronaldo has always inspired me with his incredible work and dedication; he never stops striving to be the best. LeBron James for the same reasons, but also for what he’s done for his community, proving that greatness goes beyond performance.”

”And, of course, Brazilian legends like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar, who represent so much to the Brazilian people and to Brazilian football. They’ve shown the world the talent and joy we bring to the game.”

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr — Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most common inspiring names for many renowned footballers (Photo via Getty Images)

At 25, Vinicius has accomplished a lot, but he still has a lot of goals to reach. The South American added:

“I’ve already achieved a lot, but my dreams are far from over. I want to win more trophies with my club, win the most important competitions with the national team, and continue inspiring the next generation to believe in themselves.

“My biggest dream is to leave a legacy that goes beyond football, especially with all the work I’m doing through my foundation to improve the education system in Brazil.”

With just two years remaining on his Real Madrid deal, Vinicius has been the focus of transfer rumours. There have been rumours of a lucrative move to join Portuguese legend Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

Which individuals inspire Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr?

Apart from Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James, Vinicius Jr also takes inspiration from Neymar, Ronaldinho, and Brazilian Ronaldo.

What did Vinicius say about Ronaldo as his inspiration?

Cristiano Ronaldo has always inspired him with his incredible work and dedication. Moreso, as he never stops striving to be the best.

What is Vinicius Jr’s biggest dream?

Vinicius: “My biggest dream is to leave a legacy that goes beyond football, especially with all the work I’m doing through my foundation to improve the education system in Brazil.”

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.