In the 36th minute of the first leg, the 22-year-old Brazilian unleashed an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box, following a fantastic move from Eduardo Camavinga after the Frenchman had eluded Bernardo Silva.

Vinicius scored the game-winning goal for Real in last season’s final against Liverpool, and his goal against City is his 15th Champions League goal for the club, surpassing fellow countryman Ronaldo’s 14-goal total.

The goal startled former Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman in the BT Sport commentary box, with many on social media arguing that it demonstrated why Vinicius may be considered the best player in the world right now.

The two time Champions League winner, Steve remarked: “Where did that come from?I had no idea a man his size could strike the ball so forcefully.”

“Brilliant play by Camavinga and Luka Modric, getting on Bernardo Silva’s wrong side, and he’s off, the Frenchman.”

Rio Ferdinand, another pundit, praised the goal and how it came largely against the run of play.

Ferdinand said: “I’ve admired Real’s poise, bravery, and ability to simply sit and wait.”

Vinicius demonstrates he is Cristiano Ronaldo’s heir at Real Madrid

For years, Real Madrid relied on Cristiano Ronaldo’s talent to win the Champions League.

With a stunning goal against Manchester City on Tuesday night, Vinicius Jr demonstrated that he is the rightful heir to the veteran’s reign.

Though Kevin De Bruyne earned a point for the visitors with a dramatic goal of his own, the initial effort is unquestionably memorable.

Karim Benzema has risen to shoulder the mantle and become Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s star in the years since Ronaldo upped and departed to join Juventus back in 2018.

But Vinicius Jr. is quickly reaching superstardom if he isn’t already there.

Vinicius is a player everyone should be afraid of, with the Brazil international unquestionably one of the best players on the planet.

This season, he has 23 goals and 21 assists in all competitions.

Who is Vinicius Jr.?

Vinícius José Paixo de Oliveira Junior, also known as Vinicius Junior or Vini Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.

He is regarded as one of the top players in the world due to his dribbling abilities, fast and explosive pace, and playmaking.

Vinicius Club Career

Vinicius began his professional career at Flamengo, where he made his senior debut in 2017 at the age of 16.

A few weeks later, Vincius was transferred to La Liga club Real Madrid, for whom he signed a £38 million deal, a national record for a U-18 player.

Vinicius made his debut for the club in 2018-19 when the transfer became official following his 18th birthday.

Vinicius had established himself as a key component of Real Madrid’s squad by his fourth season, helping the club win the 2021-22 La Liga title and scoring the game-winning goal in Real Madrid’s 2022 UEFA Champions League final victory.

The 22-year-old Brazilian superstar has appeared in 275 club matches, scoring 73 goals and assisting 69 others.

International Career

He was a major player in Brazil’s victories at the 2015 South American U-15 Championship and the 2017 South American U-17 Championship, finishing as the competition’s leading goalscorer in the latter.

He made his senior debut in 2021, assisting his country to a runner-up finish at the Copa América in 2021 and representing them in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Vinicius has represented Brazil at both the junior and senior levels, appearing in 50 matches and scoring 25 goals.

His contract and salary at Real Madrid

Vini Jr. signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid in 2017, earning €3.2 million per year in salaries, rising to €4 million when bonuses are factored in.

Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior has accepted Real Madrid’s contract extension offer.

Florentino Perez has urged the Brazilian attacker to extend his contract for another five years, which he has accepted.

Both parties have held talks about a new and improved arrangement for 2022, which has increased his income at Los Blancos.

His salary is further explained below:

The total cost is $108,070,000.Annual salary: $21,613,029Weekly earnings: $415,635Free agency is 2027.