Vinicius Jr is earning his place alongside some of the greatest players in Brazil’s storied footballing history. By , he took his FIFA World Cup 2026™ tally to four goals and drew level with Zico on Brazil’s all-time World Cup scoring charts, with five overall.
In an exclusive interview with FIFA, the Brazil legend – who featured at the 1978, 1982 and 1986 editions of the global showpiece – said he was proud of Vini’s performances so far.
“I’m happy for Vinicius. I like him a lot and I’ve watched him grow,” said O Galinho (The Little Rooster), who, like Brazil’s current number 7, honed his skills at Flamengo’s youth academy. “I know how hard he has worked to get where he is. He is a model professional and a hard worker; it makes me happy to see a Flamengo lad doing so well, and I’m sure there’s plenty more yet to come, God willing.”
Zico believes Ancelotti’s tactical set-up has been key to Vini’s improved performances, with the forward ending the group stage on four goals and one assist. The Italian tactician worked with the forward at Real Madrid, where they won several major titles together, including two UEFA Champions League titles.
“He has been consistent and is doing his job well,” Zico explained. “The fact that Ancelotti knows him well has helped a lot. He tries to position him where he can be most effective, help him play with confidence, and make him the player Brazil look to for the finishing touch.”
Under previous Seleção coaches, Vini Jr scored six goals in 39 Brazil appearances. Under Don Carlo, he already has seven in just 13 matches.
“That shows the difference the system can make; the numbers speak for themselves,” said Zico. “It’s a system that puts him in a position to keep doing what he does best. And he is very well prepared physically, technically and emotionally. Yesterday alone, against Scotland, he could have scored four. Knowledge is everything in life – knowing how to get the best out of each player. That is what Ancelotti has been trying to do with Vinicius. He’s earned this moment.”
As well as Vinicius, Zico has been impressed by Brazil’s recent performances, although he admitted that the 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening match was cause for concern.
“Brazil are growing into the tournament,” he explained. “Given all that Morocco have achieved over the years, the result was nothing out of the ordinary. But what caught my attention was the way Brazil played – they looked somewhat disorganised and confused.
”That early onslaught left me worried about what was to come. But little by little, everything began to fall into place.
“There were signs of improvement against Haiti, and even more so against Scotland. Ancelotti now appears to have settled on his team. He knows who he wants to use, the players know what he expects, and the team should keep moving in the right direction.”
The former Brazil number 10 also approved of Neymar’s introduction in the closing stages of Wednesday’s group-stage fixture.
“Yesterday was the perfect time to give Neymar some minutes,” he acknowledged. “After the way he handled himself on the pitch, he will feel more confident, even if he is asked to start. At a World Cup, that matters.”
Sources: FIFA Official
