Vinicius Jr writes his name into Brazil folklore with historic World Cup record, joins likes of Ronaldo and Rivaldo

Vinicius Jr became the first Brazilian player to score in all three men’s World Cup group-stage matches since 2002.

Updated on: Jun 25, 2026, 10:00:55 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Vinicius Jr continued his outstanding FIFA World Cup campaign with a brace as Brazil eased to a 3-0 victory over Scotland, sealing their place in the Round of 32. The winger struck early in the seventh minute before adding a second just before halftime, taking his tally to four goals in the tournament. The Real Madrid star has now found the net in each of Brazil’s three group-stage matches, underlining his importance to the team’s attack. His four goals place him level with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in the scoring charts, with only Lionel Messi ahead of him.

Vinicius Jr scripts history with a brace against Scotland. (Getty Images via AFP)

In the process, Vinicius etched his name into Brazilian football history. The 26-year-old became the first Brazilian player to score in all three men’s World Cup group-stage matches since Rivaldo and Ronaldo achieved the feat during Brazil’s triumphant 2002 campaign.

His achievement places him alongside some of the greatest names ever to wear the famous yellow shirt. Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Romario and Jairzinho are among the select few Brazilians to have scored in every group-stage game at a World Cup, and Vinicius has now joined that distinguished company with another influential display on football’s biggest stage.

Reflecting on his journey back to the World Cup spotlight, Vinicius said he never lost faith in his ability to deliver for Brazil despite facing criticism and difficult moments.

“Faith that I was going to improve, for the talent that I have … I was sure that at the right moment I would shine again with the Brazilian team shirt. Nothing is better than going back to the World Cup, to the place where I always dreamed of being,” Vinicius said.

Also Read - ‘Messi and Ronaldo are not in the same conversation’: Former footballer doesn’t mince words on the red-hot debate

Vinicius admitted that his recent success with Brazil has brought him relief, after periods when he felt unable to showcase his true ability on the international stage.

“To be able to represent my family, to be able to represent a country as important as Brazil, I believe that there is nothing better. There were always times when I couldn’t show my football,” Vinícius said. “It brings a certain relief," he added.

Neymar returns for Brazil

Brazil's win also saw coach Carlo Ancelotti give veteran striker Neymar his first appearance of the tournament, the Selecao's all-time leading scorer coming on as a second-half substitute.

"We played as a collective and that's a good thing," a satisfied Ancelotti said afterwards. "There are many positive things, such as Neymar's appearance, which can help us."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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