The tackle that could have ended the career of Real Madrid's 17-year-old signing Vinicius

Tom Smith 7 years ago 5.2k
Vinicius suffered this horror tackle against Ponte Preta. Twitter

Flamengo were 1-0 down against Ponte Preta when Naldo flew in on Vinicius. The tackle sent shock waves through Madrid as the challenge looked to have snapped the young star's leg and could have seen him end up in hospital.

Real madrid announced the €45m signing of Vinicius Junior from Flamengo in May, and he will link up with 'Los Blancos' after his 18th birthday.

Until then, the young talent is to accumulate minutes and gain experience playing for the Brazilian side.

However, Real club chiefs will have received a major scare when they saw the horror tackle that Vinicius was on the end of in the Brazilian Serie A.

On 72 minutes, he chased the ball but was met by the studs of Naldo, who had only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes.

The referee did not hesitate and immediately brandished a red card. After the major scare, however, Vinicius was left unharmed and managed to play on.

Check out the video here, it's not for the faint-hearted:

This tackle happened on the same night as another terrible challenge in Argentina's Primera Division. Which one do you think was worse? 

Mentioned in the news story

Vinícius Júnior
Flamengo
Real Madrid
Brazilian Serie A