Vinicius Jr

Vinicius Jr

People look at a replica of the World Cup trophy as they visit the 'Epic Album' exhibition, the biggest football exhibition in Latin America that contains relics of legends such as Ronaldo, Cruyff, Pele and a collection of Mexican national team t-shirts, as the 2026 Fifa World Cup approaches in Mexico at the Museo Yancuic, in Mexico City, Mexico, on 15 May 2026. Photo: Reuters

5 stars ready to light up the World Cup

A look at five of the stars who must shoulder the burden of their nations' expectations in the first-ever 48-team finals spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Benfica v Real Madrid - Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal - 17 February, 2026 Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe with Benfica coach Jose Mourinho as the match was stopped due to racist chants. Photo: REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

Mbappe calls for Prestianni ban over alleged racist slur at Vinicius

Last-gasp Vinicius Jr strike gives Brazil 2-1 win over Colombia

Last-gasp Vinicius Jr strike gives Brazil 2-1 win over Colombia

Real Madrid need flawless performance against Atletico, says Vinicius

Real Madrid need flawless performance against Atletico, says Vinicius

Man City fans' mocking banner fuelled Real's Vinicius in 3-2 win

Man City fans' mocking banner fuelled Real's Vinicius in 3-2 win

Real Madrid chase consistency as Mbappe-Vinicius partnership takes shape

Real Madrid chase consistency as Mbappe-Vinicius partnership takes shape

Vinicius celebrates century of goals as Ancelotti calls for defensive improvement

Vinicius celebrates century of goals as Ancelotti calls for defensive improvement

Photo: Collected

Ronaldo backs Vinicius Jr in Ballon d’Or debate: ‘It was unfair’

From poverty to prestige: FIFA's Best Vinicius’ unstoppable rise

From poverty to prestige: FIFA's Best Vinicius’ unstoppable rise

Vinicius Jr wins Fifa’s The Best Men's Footballer 2024 Award

Vinicius Jr wins Fifa’s The Best Men's Footballer 2024 Award

Photo: X

Minor who racially abused Vinicius Jr fined and banned from stadium

FIFA Best 2024: Vinicius and Rodri lead the charge, with Messi among the nominees

FIFA Best 2024: Vinicius and Rodri lead the charge, with Messi among the nominees

Photo: AFP

Vinicius Jr ruled out of Real Madrid's UCL clash against Liverpool with hamstring injury