Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has opened up about the five legendary sports figures who have inspired him throughout his journey as a professional athlete. The Brazilian star, who made a high-profile move to Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, has continued to shine on the global stage. Since breaking into the first team at Los Blancos, Vinicius has played a pivotal role in many of the club’s victories, solidifying his status as one of football’s brightest talents. Now 25, Vinicius has publicly named five sporting icons who shaped his outlook on both football and personal ambition. His list includes some of the most influential names in football history and one of the biggest stars in the NBA. “My idols are Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and our Brazilian legends Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Neymar,” Vinicius stated in an interview with GQ Spain, as cited by Madrid Zone. The list reflects a blend of both national pride and international influence. From fellow Brazilians Neymar, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo Nazário, to global megastars like Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James, Vinicius credits these figures for inspiring his mentality and style of play. The Brazilian winger also emphasized how surreal it feels to be playing at the top level in both club and international football. “Playing for the biggest club in the world and Brazil National Team still feels like a dream,” he added, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent Real Madrid and the Seleção Brasileira. Vinicius nearly clinched the prestigious Ballon d’Or last season, finishing as runner-up to Manchester City‘s midfield maestro, Rodri. The close call demonstrates just how far Vinicius has come, and how his dedication—fueled by his idols—continues to elevate his career.
