Vinicius Jr returns to India with Brazil ahead of Kolkata friendly on October 3, 2026
Vinicius Jr has returned to India with the Brazil senior national team ahead of their international friendly against India in Kolkata on October 3, 2026. "Everyone from India sent me messages; it’s an audience that follows me closely, loves football, loves Brazil, and I’m happy to be back here," Vini said.
Vinicius first visited India as a teenager with Brazil's U-17 squad for the 2016 BRICS U-17 Football Cup in Goa. He scored against India, Russia and South Africa as Brazil reached the final with four wins, and he also scored in the final against South Africa to finish as the tournament's top goalscorer with four goals. He carried that form into the 2017 South American U-17 Championship in Chile, where Brazil won their 12th title and Vini again finished as top goalscorer, but he missed the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India that followed months later.
A Real Madrid Galactico, Vinicius has won two UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga titles and came agonisingly close to winning the Ballon D’Or in 2024. Ten years on from his first trip, observers noted that his boyish grin remained unchanged as he greeted supporters on arrival for the friendlies.
The Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, commonly known as Salt Lake Stadium, is set to host the match between India and five-time world champions Brazil, who are described in the report as the most successful team in FIFA World Cup history. Brazil arrive in India after an early exit to Norway in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup and are coming off a draw and a recent 4-2 win over Australia in Townsville and Brisbane.
Vinicius was pictured smiling and signing autographs for fans after landing in India for the friendlies. In an interview with CBF he recalled the 2016 visit: "These are good memories because I came here when I was a boy. I didn’t know I would come back then; the fans already had a great affection for me because I came to these competitions, and then the U-17 World Cup happened, and I couldn’t come."
Since the Brazilian squad arrived, Vini has been a leading attraction for supporters and media covering the tour, with his presence singled out repeatedly in coverage. He had been a trending name following the team’s arrival and drew significant attention during airport and stadium appearances.
The immediate next event is the international friendly between India and Brazil in Kolkata on October 3, 2026, with Vinicius included in the visiting squad. Coverage and updates around the match and player appearances are being provided by the reporting outlet.
