What are Vinicius Junior's goal statistics for Brazil national team across all competitions?

Vinicius Junior is one of the most exciting attacking talents in world football, but his goal-scoring record with the Brazilian national team tells a different story compared to his performances at the club level. As of March 2025, Vinicius has played 37 matches for the senior Brazil squad, scoring five goals. While his numbers may not match those of legendary Brazilian forwards, his role in the team extends beyond just finding the back of the net.

His dribbling, speed, and creativity have made him an essential figure in the national setup. Join us as we analyze Vinicius Junior’s international statistics, looking at how his goals have been distributed across different competitions and what his future with Brazil might hold.

Vinicius Junior's Journey with the Brazilian National Team

Vinicius made his senior debut for Brazil on September 11, 2019, under coach Tite at just 19 years old. Before breaking into the first team, he had already impressed in Brazil’s youth squads, scoring 17 goals in 19 matches for the U-17 side and six goals in six matches for the U-15 squad. His rapid development at Flamengo and his subsequent move to Real Madrid made him one of the most anticipated additions to the national team.

Despite his early promise, Vinicius initially struggled to secure a starting position for Brazil. With attacking competition from Neymar, Richarlison, and Gabriel Jesus, his opportunities were limited in major tournaments. However, as his influence at the club level grew, so did his role in the national team, eventually becoming a key figure in Brazil’s attack.

Goals by Competition

FIFA World Cup Performances

Vinicius played in his first FIFA World Cup in 2022, where he appeared in four matches and scored one goal. His goal came in the round of 16 against South Korea, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage. Although Brazil was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Croatia on penalties, Vinicius’ performance hinted at a bright future with the national team.

Copa America Contributions

During the 2021 Copa America, Vinicius played in seven matches and found the net twice. Though not the main goal-scoring threat, his contributions helped Brazil reach the final, where they ultimately lost to Argentina. His two goals in the tournament proved crucial in the knockout stages, further cementing his value as a dynamic attacking presence.

World Cup Qualifiers

In South American World Cup qualifiers, Vinicius has played in 14 matches but has managed just one goal. Unlike his performances at club level, where he is often deployed as a primary goal threat, his role in Brazil's squad has been more about creating chances and stretching defenses rather than finishing opportunities himself. His single goal in qualifiers came in a tight contest against Peru, helping Brazil secure three valuable points.

International Friendlies

Friendlies have offered Vinicius the chance to experiment and refine his attacking play with Brazil. In 12 friendly appearances, he has scored just one goal. While these matches do not carry the same weight as official tournaments, they have served as an important platform for him to develop chemistry with teammates and improve his attacking output.

Why Has Vinicius Junior Scored So Few Goals for Brazil?

Several factors have contributed to Vinicius’ relatively low goal tally at the international level:

1. Different Tactical Role – At Real Madrid, Vinicius is often given the freedom to attack and take on defenders, whereas with Brazil, he has frequently been deployed in a more structured system where other forwards take on the main goal-scoring responsibilities.
2. Strong Competition – Brazil has always had an abundance of attacking talent. With players like Neymar, Gabriel Martinelli, and Rodrygo also fighting for attacking positions, Vinicius has had to adapt his game rather than focus solely on scoring.
3. Fewer Finishing Opportunities – Unlike strikers such as Ronaldo Nazario or Romario, Vinicius operates primarily from the left wing. This means he is more involved in creating goal-scoring opportunities rather than finishing them.
4. Lack of Set-Piece Duties – Many of Brazil’s top scorers benefit from taking penalties and free kicks, something Vinicius has not yet been assigned on a regular basis.

Future Projections: Will Vinicius Improve His Goal-Scoring Record?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Vinicius Junior is expected to play an even more prominent role in Brazil’s attack. His continued development at Real Madrid, where he has become one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards, suggests that his goal numbers could see a significant rise in the coming years.

As Brazil transitions to a new generation of talent, Vinicius is likely to be one of the focal points of the team. If given more attacking freedom and opportunities inside the box, his international goal tally should increase. Additionally, as Neymar moves towards the latter stages of his career, Vinicius may inherit greater responsibilities in set-piece situations, further improving his chances of scoring more goals.

What You Should Know About Vinicius Junior's International Goals

• Total appearances for Brazil: 37
• Total goals scored: 5
• Senior debut: September 11, 2019, under Tite
• Goals in the FIFA World Cup: 1 (in 2022)
• Goals in Copa America: 2 (in 2021)
• Goals in World Cup Qualifiers: 1
• Goals in International Friendlies: 1