Vinícius Júnior has become the second-highest Brazilian goalscorer in Champions League history after scoring in Real Madrid CF’s play-off first leg against SL Benfica.
The 25-year-old forward struck in the 50th minute at the Estádio da Luz, giving Real Madrid a 1-0 lead and marking another landmark moment in his European career.
The goal took Vinícius to 31 in the Champions League, moving him past Kaká, who finished his career in the competition with 30.
According to football statistics account Stat Foot, the Madrid winger now sits second among Brazilian scorers in the tournament’s history.
Only Neymar has scored more, with 43 goals accumulated during his spells at FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain FC. Rivaldo follows with 27.
Vinícius’ latest strike further underlined his growing influence on Europe’s biggest stage.
In 77 appearances in the competition, he has reached 31 goals, a return that reflects both consistency and progression at the highest level.
🚨🇪🇺 WHAT A FANTASTIC GOAL FROM VINICIUS JR! 🤯
Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid.pic.twitter.com/vrbYvazSvv
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) February 17, 2026
His achievements are not confined to continental football.
In La Liga, he has also surpassed Neymar’s scoring tally in Spain, reaching 69 league goals compared to the 68 recorded by his compatriot during his time in the division.
Still only 25, Vinícius appears to be closing the gap on Neymar’s Champions League record.
If he maintains his current scoring rate, he could yet challenge for the top position among Brazilian players in the tournament.
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐃 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀 😏
Vini with a 𝘽𝙍𝙄𝙇𝙇𝙄𝘼𝙉𝙏 golazo to hand Real Madrid the win 😍💫
He has now overtaken Kaká as the second-highest scoring Brazilian in UCL history 🇧🇷
1️⃣ Neymar — 43 goals ⚽
2️⃣ Vinícius Jr — 31 goals ⚽… pic.twitter.com/GaR4ubq9FH— 433 (@433) February 17, 2026
For now, his goal in Lisbon adds another milestone to an already impressive European journey, strengthening his place in Brazilian football history.
