• Faith: Christian - Catholic
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  July 12, 2000

Vinicius Jose Paixao de Oliveira Júnior, commonly known as Vinicius Junior or Vini Junior, is a Brazilian professional soccer player who currently plays for Real Madrid in Spain's La Liga.

Vini Junior began his professional career with Brazilian team Flamengo, making his first appearance with the club's senior squad at the age of 16. Shortly after, his transfer to Real Madrid was negotiated, although it did not actually take place until he turned 18. In his almost two seasons with Flamengo, he appeared in 69 games and scored 14 goals.

In his seasons with Real Madrid, Vini Junior has helped lead the club to several titles, including two UEFA Champions League crowns, three La Liga titles, and a Copa del Rey championship. He has appeared in 376 games across all competitions for Real Madrid and has scored 128 goals.

Vinicius Junior was first called up to the senior Brazilian national team in 2019, but injuries kept him out of the squad for the 2019 Copa America. He was named to the team for the 2021 Copa America, although he did not play extensively in that tournament. By the 2022 World Cup, Vini Junior was an integral part of the Brazilian team. He is currently a member of Brazil's 2026 World Cup team and scored the team's only goal in a 1-1 draw with Morocco in its opening match. As of that match, Vini Junior has appeared in 50 games for Brazil's national team and has scored 10 goals.

One pervasive issue that Vini Junior has dealt with repeatedly, and has bravely spoken out against, is racism. La Liga officials have filed at least 26 formal complaints to Spanish prosecutors regarding racist incidents directed at Vinicius since October 2021. The most severe of these involved hate groups hanging an effigy of Vini Junior from a bridge in Madrid, which resulted in the arrest of four men. Following a controversial on-field clash in which Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni obscured his face while allegedly hurling slurs at the Brazilian, FIFA adopted a strict new rule. Under this regulation, any player who deliberately covers their mouth with a hand, arm, or jersey during an on-field confrontation is subject to an immediate red card disqualification.

Vinícius Júnior was raised in a devout Roman Catholic household and remains open about the grounding power of his faith as he navigates the pressures of global stardom. His faith and his homeland historically rallied around him in May 2023; following a severe incident of racial abuse directed at the winger in Spain, the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Rio de Janeiro plunged the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue into complete darkness for an hour. The powerful display of solidarity deeply moved Vinícius, who publicly expressed his immense gratitude to the religious and sporting institutions back home for lighting the way in his fight against discrimination.

Vinícius Júnior's faith is more than just lip service. He founded the Instituto Vini Jr. to develop collaborative educational innovations for underprivileged children in Brazil, leveraging specialized public school technology hubs and a custom, football-themed learning application. He has also invested R$20 million of his own money to transform a deactivated public school building in his hometown of São Gonçalo into a massive social center and permanent headquarters for his foundation, providing thousands of community members with free access to education, sports, and cultural activities.

Vini Junior demonstrates his faith in Christ through his efforts to stand up for those who are disadvantaged and to speak out against racism in sports and society. By living his faith in this way, he offers a positive example for Christians everywhere.