Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. is the most valuable footballer in the world | OneFootball

Vinícius Júnior has officially claimed the title of the world’s most expensive footballer, a milestone that underscores his meteoric rise from a promising young talent in Brazil to an irreplaceable superstar for Real Madrid and the Seleção.

As per Transfermarkt, the Brazilian is now sitting at a €200 million valuation, placing him level with Man City and Norway striker Erling Haaland.

In 2017, Real Madrid snapped him up for €45 million, a deal that many at the time saw as a gamble for a 16-year-old. Yet, Vinícius quickly justified that investment, and today he stands as a player who not only carries the weight of Madrid’s future on his shoulders but also that of the Brazilian national team.

At just 24 years old, Vinícius represents a long-term investment for any club, but for Real Madrid, he is far more than that, he is the future face of the club.

With three La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey title and two Champions League titles, Vinícius has already achieved plenty in the sport since breaking onto the scene back in 2018. Still, it would seem there is plenty more to come from the São Gonçalo native.

GSFN | Ciaran Currie