Vinicius Junior stole the show on Tuesday by scoring a second-half hat-trick for Real Madrid as they completed a come-from-behind 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in UEFA Champions League action. The Brazil international completed his hat-trick in 31 minutes, saving his most stunning goal for last. Vinicius received the ball about halfway through Dortmund’s half and danced around a handful of opponents as he made his way towards goal, creating a strong scoring opportunity from close range and not missing from there.
View the goal below.
Vinicius scored the equalizer in the 62nd minute, also from close range, and added a second goal to his tally in the 86th minute. His second goal was just as impressive as his third, making a run from Real Madrid’s half before firing from the edge of the penalty area and scoring.
Watch the goal below.
He has now provided five goals and five assists in 14 appearances in all competitions this season, continuing to build his own legacy amid a star-studded Real Madrid team that remains one of the most dominant in Europe. Vinicius is developing a reputation for delivering big moments, such as his goals in the 2022 and 2024 Champions League finals.
His performances over the past year, including 15 goals during their La Liga-winning campaign last season, mean he is the frontrunner to win the Ballon d’Or at next week’s awards. Vinicius has a vote of confidence from his Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric, one of only two players not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to have won the award since 2008.
“Definitely, but not just tonight, but the whole season he was excellent,” Modric told CBS Sports after Real Madrid’s victory. “We’re looking forward to seeing who’s going to win, but I think if you see how he played last season and what he’s doing this season and especially after tonight, he deserves it.”
“I think he will win because of what he did last year. The three goals from [Tuesday] will help for the next Ballon d’Or,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the match.
Vinicius has been nominated for the award, along with six of his teammates, five of whom were part of last season’s La Liga and Champions League double-winning team. The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in Paris on Monday.