Vini’s flight

There was even something to talk about when Gabriel Paulista, 32, from Valencia, joined Vinícius Júnior, aged 22, in the 2-0 draw played by Real Madrid, on Thursday (2), for the 17th round of the Spanish League.

The violent, brutal foul was worth the expulsion of the Brazilian defender who was immediately suspended for two games for not having aimed at the ball – he will still be judged and have his sentence extended.

Simply by hitting the legs of the opponent, professional companion, assuming the risk of injuring “the calf” of Flamengo’s base, already among the best players in the world.

No exaggeration.

Vinicius played his 200th game in five seasons for the Real Madrid first team in this clash with Valencia.

And with the goal scored, he reached 50, with 37 assists.

That means 87 direct participations (excluding the dance!) with the shirt of one of the “big six” of the planet.

He is, without a doubt, one of the protagonists of the European elite, a central character of the World Cup that has everything to be decided in a historic Real Madrid x Flamengo.

If the two advance, it will be the Merengues’ first final in the FIFA tournament in the “post-Cristiano Ronaldo era” – also the first of Vini as a protagonist.

Vini is how the Spaniards started to call the young man who arrived in Madrid in 2018, after a year and a half in Flamengo’s professionals.

He was a star player bought for 45 million euros and had 1.5 million followers on his Instagram profile.

Four and a half seasons later, it’s already at 29 million.

And it is impressive that in July 2022 the tip totaled 21 million, and in six months increased the audience by eight million.

Vini easily tripled its average growth, going from 406,000 per month to 1.3 million.

Not coincidentally, a period that marked the racist attacks against the genuinely Brazilian game of the Real Madrid striker.

Fortunately, the wave of prejudice manifested in different ways also provoked reactions that drowned him (sic) in affection.

Reactions came from all over the world, transmitting solidarity, with love, respect and recognition for his happy and efficient football.

According to a survey by “Marca”, from Spain, in July 2018 Vini had nothing more than a commercial agreement with Nike, a supplier of sporting goods.

Today, there are nine brands associated with his image, with another three interested in joining the pool.

I really support Vinícius and I think that the recovery of the glamor of Brazilian football depends on his glory.

An amazing striker who can cross Flamengo’s path 90 minutes from the top of the world.

Let’s see…

SUBTITLES / CREDITS:

Photo 1: Vinícius Júnior announces nine different brands and is among the most important players in world football – Leo Martins

Photo 2: Gabriel Paulista’s violent tackle on Vini in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Valencia – ESPN Reproduction