Neymar Embraces Vini

Neymar Embraces Vini

Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, a key attacking player for Real Madrid, recently reached another milestone in the UEFA Champions League. He scored in both legs of the 2025/26 Champions League knockout-stage tie against Benfica, bringing his total knockout-stage goals in the competition to 14. This surpassed Brazilian legend Neymar and made him the Brazilian player with the most Champions League knockout-stage goals. Vinicius has won the Champions League twice with Real Madrid (the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons), and he scored crucial goals in both finals. He was also named the 2021-22 Champions League Young Player of the Season and has been a central figure in the club's recent Champions League success.

Type: Player focus

Matchup or theme: Vinicius Junior

Match result: Vinicius Junior scored in both legs of the 2025/26 Champions League knockout-stage tie against Benfica.

Key player and statistics: Brazilian nationality, attacking left winger, currently playing for Real Madrid. He has scored 14 goals in Champions League knockout stages, becoming the Brazilian player with the most knockout-stage goals in the competition, surpassing Neymar.

Additional highlights: Two Champions League titles (2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons). The youngest player in Champions League final history to score two goals. Named the 2021-22 Champions League Young Player of the Season.