Vini Jnr Is 98 Games Shy of Eclipsing “O Fenômeno” as Madrid’s Most Prolific Brazillian Goal Scorer

Vinicius Junior is the latest in a long line of Brazilians to don the famous white jersey of Real Madrid. Since he arrived in 2018, he has become an integral part of the Los Blancos squad and has already made 225 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 56 goals. This goal haul places him third on Real Madrid’s list of most prolific Brazilian goal scorers.

Before him are former stars Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima (O Fenômeno) and Roberto Carlos. Despite his impressive record, Vini Jnr still has some way to go if he wants to overtake O Fenômeno’s legendary status as Madrid’s all-time highest-scoring Brazilian. Sportingpost.com reports that based on his average of 0.5 goals per game, he will take 98 games to overtake O Fenômeno’s 16-year-old record.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 104 goals from 177 appearances during his five-year stint with the club. According to Sportingpost CEO Freddie Smith, eclipsing Ronaldo’s feat will be a tall order though it’s not entirely unattainable. He reckons that Vini can ace the record provided he plays consistently and increases his goals-per-match ratio.

Freddie holds:

At only 22 Vinicius Junior is undoubtedly brimming with potential. And if he continues playing consistently then there is no reason why he won’t eventually better Ronaldo’s Real Madrid’s record. But until then, Vini Jnr will need every ounce of dedication and motivation if he hopes to reach this summit within 98 games

Sportingpost CEO, Freddie Smith

He adds that pulling off this feat would be especially impressive, considering that Vini Jnr plays in a different position than Ronaldo. While the latter was an outright striker, Vinicius predominantly operates as an attack-minded winger. O Fenômeno had fewer defensive duties and more direct sight of the opposition’s goalmouth than his countryman enhancing his scoring prospects.

An Invaluable Asset for Madrid

Vini Jnr has been instrumental for Real Madrid since joining in 2018 as a teenager from Flamengo. And it isn’t just about his goal-scoring form; Vini possesses a range of attributes that make him an invaluable asset for Los Blanco’s attack-minded style of play. His direct playing and willingness to commit defenders make him a tricky opponent for any defender.

Additionally, his blistering pace allows him to break past defenders quickly, while his excellent ball control enables him to create space on the pitch, opening up opposition backlines. Add this creative spark with his eye for goal too, and you can see why many believe he can reach new heights if he continues to develop at Real Madrid.

Unsurprisingly, Vini Jnr’s qualities have made him a favorite at the Bernabeu. He has developed into one of the team’s most creative and dynamic players, providing a key outlet in attack whether coming off the bench or leading from the start. He plays with great poise and composure and often deep into attacking areas to pick up possession before creating chances for himself or his teammates.

Again, Vini Jnr’s relentless work ethic and his resolve have certainly been factors in helping him reach this point so early in his career. Away from the numbers, it is a testament to how well-rounded he has become over recent seasons.