Read 4 minutes14 June 2026 11:47 AM IST
Vinicius Junior, Brazil’s star and redeemer on the opening day against Morocco, arrived at the FIFA World Cup hoping to leave Asa Star. But there are four other superstars that Vinicius looks up to or has mutual respect for, as evidenced by his past interactions – LeBron James, Lamine Yamal and Neymar.
Vinicius, who has murals of Pele, Ronaldo (OG) alongside Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James in his private gym, has often exchanged Insta messages with the likes of King James. The bond was further strengthened when he drew inspiration from the NBA superstar after facing racism in Spain from fans of rival clubs.
“LeBron also became a huge source of inspiration for me. He showed commitment not only in the game, but outside of it as well. He proved that greatness is not limited to what you do on the field,” he once said. His foundation was influenced by the work of King James. “My biggest dream is to leave a legacy that goes beyond football,” he would say.
“It’s an honor to recognize LeBron, he’s an incredible player and a great example for all players,” he said of No. 23.
Also read | Vinicius Jr starts to set his country vs club credentials right with a lovely equaliser
“The easiest thing is to enjoy the limelight and stay on the sidelines,” Marca quoted him as saying in the past. “But LeBron never wanted that. He never tried to represent everybody. He refused to turn his back on the people he came from.”
Vinicius is friends with several NFL figures, though his love of the NBA is more well-known.
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Marca also revealed how Vinicius admired club and country rival Lamine Yamal.
Vinicius said before the World Cup. “Spain have Lamine Yamal, one of the best players in the world. He does unbelievable things on the pitch. He is a player who can win the World Cup by himself. He is one of the players you pay to see,” he said.
He added: “It’s always difficult to talk about Barcelona players because then the fans start talking, but we have to appreciate the players on the field,” he explained.
His relationship with Neymar was unique, as it was Vinicius who assured Neymar of his needs when he was nursing his injuries and out of the team.
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“Neymar is our idol,” Vinicius will tell Cage TV. “I’ve always had a lot of love for him, and he always defended me a lot. After every call-up, Neymar would tell me: ‘Oh, Ancelotti didn’t call me again, I’m very sad.’ But I always told him that the old man believed in him and when the time came he would take Neya… He always gave us a lot of morale. It’s an honor to play with him again.”
Neymar sat out the opener completely unprepared despite suffering a Grade 2 calf tear, appearing to limp slightly but instructing the players during a hydration break. He first spoke to Vinicius and then Tuggat in Bruno Guimaraes’ jersey, drilling words into his ear. Then in the 32nd minute, Guimaraes assisted Vinny Junior to equalize.