From card games to cologne: Vini Jr reveals his 10 essential items
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior opens up about his daily essentials, including how his father made him score 20 goals before buying a watch.
Brazil’s dazzling winger gives fans a peek behind the curtain, revealing the personal items that define his life off the pitch in a candid interview with GQ.
Card games with the lads
Vini kicks things off by revealing his love for card games, particularly ‘truco’ – a popular Brazilian game known for bluffing and partner signals. The Madrid number 7 regularly battles it out with his compatriots Gabriel Magalhães, Rodrygo and Militão during team gatherings.
“We have tournaments between Rio and São Paulo players and always have a brilliant time,” he explains, showing how these games strengthen bonds between Brazil’s international stars.
Smelling the part
The Brazilian takes his fragrance game seriously as a Hugo Boss ambassador. His teammates often wonder why he’s so liberal with the cologne before matches and training sessions.
Vinicius has different scents for day and night – proper attention to detail from a player who’s equally meticulous on the pitch.
Watch collector
One of Vini’s most interesting revelations involves his growing watch collection. While not claiming to be an expert, he’s picked up knowledge from observing teammates’ timepieces in the dressing room.
His father used to set performance targets before allowing him to purchase a new watch – 20 goals or 10 assists would earn him the right to add to his collection. Despite now having around 20 watches, Vinicius still seeks his dad’s approval before making new additions.
Brazilian comforts and gaming
Vini’s essentials include:
- Açaí – a Brazilian superfood he’s enjoyed since childhood, though he consumes less now due to dietary restrictions
- PlayStation controller – he’s been gaming since he was a nipper, favoring Call of Duty and FC, with plans to play Fortnite with his sister
- Cap and sunglasses – his disguise when out and about
- Chains – custom pieces from a Houston-based friend that add “flow and shine” to his look
The Brazilian admires how NBA players have turned pre-game arrivals into fashion shows, suggesting football could learn from basketball’s style culture.
Gym commitment
Vinicius rounds off his essentials with gym weights, highlighting his dedication to physical conditioning. He works out almost daily with his personal trainer, focusing on efficient, perfect sessions that translate to on-field performance.
While he enjoys training with friends, he admits he doesn’t push himself quite as hard during those social sessions – keeping his powder dry for when it really matters.