Vinícius Tobias: The Journey of a Young Brazilian Talent
Vinícius Augusto Tobías da Silva, known as Vinícius Tobias, is one of the most promising names in Brazilian football. Born on February 23, 2004, in São Paulo, Brazil, the young right-back has captured attention with his skill, speed, and potential to become a major player on the international stage. At just 21 years old, he has already carved out an impressive path, playing for renowned clubs like Internacional, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Real Madrid Castilla. This article explores the life, career, and challenges of Vinícius Tobias, highlighting his journey in football and his significance in the sport.
Early Life and First Steps in Football
Origins in São Paulo
Vinícius Tobias was born in the Jardim Matarazzo neighborhood of São Paulo. Coming from a humble family, he grew up in an environment where football was more than a pastime—it was a passion and an opportunity to transform lives. From a young age, he showed talent with the ball, playing in street games and local football academies.
At 12 years old, in 2016, Vinícius joined the youth academy of Internacional, one of Brazil’s most traditional clubs. His arrival at the Colorado marked the beginning of a journey that would see him recognized as a gem of Brazilian football.
Standout in the Youth Ranks
At Internacional, Vinícius Tobias quickly stood out as a versatile right-back with both offensive and defensive skills. His speed, dribbling ability, and precise crossing caught the attention of coaches and scouts. By 2020, at just 16 years old, he was already considered one of the top prospects in the club’s youth system. His consistent performances earned him a spot on The Guardian’s “Next Generation” list in 2021, which highlights the best young players in the world.
During his time at Internacional, Vinícius gained experience in youth competitions, facing high-level opponents and developing a competitive mindset. He also represented Brazil at the under-15 and under-17 levels, showcasing his talent in South American tournaments. His ability to contribute in both defense and attack made him a target for European clubs.
Transfer to Shakhtar Donetsk
The Leap to Europe
In July 2021, it was announced that Vinícius Tobias would join Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine starting in February 2022. The move was a significant milestone in his career, as, at 17, he was taking his first steps into the competitive world of European football. The transfer was seen as an opportunity for the young player to develop in a high-level environment, facing opponents with diverse playing styles.
However, his arrival at Shakhtar was marked by unforeseen challenges. Shortly after his transfer, in February 2022, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted the Ukrainian football season. As a result, UEFA allowed foreign players to temporarily leave Ukrainian clubs on loan. This situation opened doors for Vinícius to seek new opportunities in Europe.
Loan to Real Madrid Castilla
A New Opportunity in Spain
On April 1, 2022, Vinícius Tobias was announced as a reinforcement for Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team of the prestigious Spanish club, on a loan deal until the end of the 2022-23 season. The transfer was facilitated by UEFA’s rule allowing players from Ukrainian clubs to leave due to the conflict. As Real Madrid had already filled all non-EU player slots in their first team, Vinícius was assigned to Castilla, where he could continue his development.
He made his debut for Castilla on April 17, 2022, in a 2-1 loss to Alcoyano. Coming off the bench, Vinícius showed glimpses of his talent despite the defeat. During his time at Castilla, he competed in the Primera Federación, Spain’s third division, which served as an important test for his adaptation to European football.
Adapting to the European Style
Playing for Real Madrid Castilla brought new challenges for Vinícius. European football is known for its intensity, tactical discipline, and physical demands, which differ from the more technical and creative style of Brazilian football. As a right-back, Vinícius needed to improve his defensive marking and positioning while maintaining his offensive traits, such as accurate crosses and support in attack.
Although he didn’t establish himself as a regular starter at Castilla, his time at the club was seen as a valuable learning period. He faced experienced opponents and had the opportunity to train at one of the world’s best facilities, contributing to his growth as a player.
Career at Shakhtar Donetsk
Return to Ukraine
After his loan at Real Madrid Castilla ended, Vinícius Tobias returned to Shakhtar Donetsk for the 2023-24 season. With the situation in Ukraine still unstable, the club continued to play matches in alternative venues, often outside the country. Despite these circumstances, Vinícius adapted and began earning playing time in the Ukrainian Premier League.
In the 2023-24 season, he appeared in 19 matches for Shakhtar, contributing six assists. His ability to create attacking plays from the right flank was a standout feature, and he gained confidence within the team. Additionally, Vinícius had the chance to compete in the UEFA Champions League, facing elite European clubs, which further elevated his experience.
Titles with Real Madrid
Although his time at Real Madrid was limited to Castilla, Vinícius Tobias was included in the squad that won the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League in the 2023-24 season. While he didn’t feature directly on the pitch, these titles bolster his résumé and highlight his association with one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Playing Style and Characteristics
A Modern Full-Back
Vinícius Tobias exemplifies the modern right-back, combining defensive solidity with offensive contributions. Standing at 1.77 meters and weighing 67 kg, he has an ideal physique for the position, blending speed, agility, and stamina. His dribbling and ability to advance down the right flank make him an offensive weapon, while his improved game reading and marking reflect his growth in Europe.
His key characteristics include:
- Speed: Vinícius is extremely fast, allowing him to cover large distances and support both attack and defense.
- Technique: He has good ball control and the ability to deliver precise crosses, creating opportunities for attackers.
- Versatility: While naturally a right-back, he has been tested in more advanced positions, showing adaptability.
- Mentality: His determination to overcome challenges, such as moving to Europe and adapting to different playing styles, reflects his mental strength.
Comparisons to Other Players
Vinícius Tobias is often compared to successful Brazilian full-backs like Daniel Alves and Cafu due to his ability to balance attack and defense. While he is still far from reaching their level, his trajectory suggests he has the potential to follow a similar path.
Personal Life and Controversies
Romance and Scandal
Off the pitch, Vinícius Tobias has also drawn attention for his personal life. In 2024, he faced a public controversy involving his ex-girlfriend, Ingrid Lima. After believing he was the father of a child and tattooing “Maitê, I love you” on his arm, Vinícius discovered through a DNA test that he was not the father. The situation sparked significant buzz on social media and in the press, creating an emotionally challenging moment for the young player.
Despite the setback, Vinícius showed resilience by announcing a new relationship in 2025 with Spanish model Sandra Gutierrez. In an Instagram post, he wrote, “It may be early to say, but I think I’ve found the love of my life.” His relationship with Sandra, who has over 46,000 social media followers, has brought a new phase of happiness for the player.
Commitment to the Future
Vinícius Tobias has also shown interest in social causes. Though still young, he has expressed a desire to support initiatives for underprivileged youth, inspired by his own journey of overcoming challenges in a humble São Paulo neighborhood. His background motivates him to give back to society in the future.
Future Prospects
The Potential of Vinícius Tobias
At 21, Vinícius Tobias is just beginning his career but has already shown the potential for greater heights. His experience at Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid Castilla has put him on the radar of European clubs, with expectations that he could soon play in more competitive leagues like the English Premier League or Spain’s La Liga.
To reach the next level, Vinícius will need to continue developing his defensive consistency and ability to handle the pressure of big matches. His youth is an advantage, giving him time to mature and refine his game.
Brazilian National Team
While he has represented Brazil at youth levels, Vinícius Tobias has yet to earn a call-up to the senior national team. With stiff competition at right-back from players like Danilo and Emerson Royal, he will need to maintain a high level of performance to secure a spot. His versatility and European experience could be decisive factors for a future call-up.
Conclusion
Vinícius Tobias is a testament to the raw talent Brazil continues to produce in football. His journey, from the streets of Jardim Matarazzo to European pitches, is a story of determination, talent, and resilience. Despite personal and professional challenges, he continues to evolve as a player and a person, earning fans and admirers worldwide.
At just 21, Vinícius Tobias has a bright future ahead. If he maintains his focus and dedication, there’s no doubt he could become one of the world’s top full-backs. His story is a reminder that, with hard work and passion, dreams can become reality, no matter one’s circumstances.
