Brazil finds its leader in Vinicius

Vinicius Junior arrived in North America with the same single-minded ambition that has marked his career. Here, however, club titles, individual honors and even his own goal tally have been pushed aside. The only thing on the 25-year-old's mind is the prize he values most: the World Cup.

Vinicius Jr (C) of Brazil competes during the group C match between Scotland and Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, Miami, the United States, June 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)

Three group matches later, Brazil has advanced to the knockout stage as Group C winner and Vinicius has become the face of its campaign. His four goals have also thrust him into the Golden Boot race alongside Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, but his own priorities have not shifted.

"I don't care about individual awards, I'm not here to be the MVP," Vinicius told reporters before the tournament. "I'm here to help Brazil win a sixth World Cup."

The performances have backed up the words. Vinicius has scored in every group match, tormented defenders with his pace and direct running, and carried Brazil's attack through difficult moments. In doing so, he has assumed the role that for so long belonged to Neymar, becoming the player teammates and supporters now expect to make the difference.

That responsibility has not arrived overnight. Vinicius was part of the Brazil side eliminated by Croatia on penalties at the 2022 World Cup, a defeat that still shapes his outlook on football's biggest stage.

"The World Cup is different from any other tournament I've played, and the last one taught me that we have to be prepared right up until the final minute of the match," he said. "We have to do things differently, lessons learned."

The tournament has also come at the right moment in his career. Now an established figure for both club and country, Vinicius believes he has arrived better equipped for the demands of a World Cup than he was four years ago.

"I've played more matches and have more experience than in the last World Cup, and I'm here to have an excellent tournament," he said.

His rise has coincided with Carlo Ancelotti taking charge of Brazil. After years working together at Real Madrid, the Italian knows better than most how to get the best from the winger, giving him license to drift across the front line while building the attack around his strengths.

"Playing for Ancelotti is special because he gives me the freedom to do what I do best," he said. "I'm not talking about only scoring goals, but playing well. It doesn't matter how many goals I score; what matters is the team."

Ancelotti has been equally keen to keep the focus on Brazil's wider objective.

"He arrived at the World Cup in excellent shape," the head coach said. "[But] we're not hoping it will be Vinicius's World Cup; we're hoping it will be Brazil's World Cup."

That message reflects the approach Vinicius has carried throughout the tournament. His goals have helped put Brazil among the favorites, but he has never suggested they matter on their own.

There are Ballon d'Or awards still to chase and more silverware to be won with Real Madrid. They can wait. For Vinicius, nothing in football compares with leading Brazil back to the top of the world.