Copa America: Vinicius makes his ambitions clear

Vinicius dreams of winning his first major title with Brazil, just days after lifting the Champions League trophy with Real Madrid.

Following his decisive performance in Real Madrid’s 15th Champions League title win, Brazilian forward Vinicius, a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or, expressed determination to lift his first trophy with the Seleção, the Copa America in the United States.

“I haven’t won any titles with the national team yet, but I hope to achieve it now. We have prepared well for this tournament,” he said in a video released by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

The forward, who will turn 24 on July 12, joined his national team teammates in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday after a few days of rest following the Champions League final on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.

Vinicius scored the second goal in the 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund and was named the competition’s best player.

He had already scored the only goal in the 2022 final won by Madrid, against Liverpool, at the Stade de France. In the national team, Vinicius is joined by two other Real players, forward Rodrygo and defender Eder Militao.

He is also reunited with young striker Endrick, 17, a great hope of Brazilian football, who will join the Merengues after the Copa America.

“This generation is strong, and we want to achieve great things with the Seleção,” Vinicius said.

Before the start of the competition, Brazil will play two friendly matches, against Mexico on Saturday and the United States on Wednesday.