What were the world's top talents doing at Vinicius' age?

BeSoccer 6 years ago 4.7k
These stars have impressed since they were young. EFE/AFP

The name 'Vinicius' continues to make the headlines. The 18-year-old Brazilian is constantly being talked about, but where were the world's current stars when they were 18? Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé...

He is one of Castilla's key players, but his boldness was instrumental last Sunday in opening the scoring for Solari's Madrid against Real Valladolid and achieving a very important victory. 

Vinicius is only 18 years old, but many of world football's current 'stars' also know what it's like to be a protagonist from such a young age... 

Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut at the age of 17 with Sporting CP in the Champions League qualifiers. Only a few months later, at the age of 18, United, with an insistent Ferguson, took over his services. 

Another superstar, Leo Messi, also knows what it's like to triumph from a very young age. At the age of 17, the Argentinean made his debut with Barça in LaLiga, as well as in the cup and Champions League. In addition, his first official goal came against Albacete before he had reached the age of 18. 

Antoine Griezmann, meanwhile, came to prominence a bit later, but his stellar performances with the Real Sociedad saw him jump into the first team. He was 18 and a half years old when he made his debut with the 'Txuri Urdin' in the Segunda División. 

Luka Modric, currently 'The Best', was not yet 18 when he made his official debut with HSK Zrinjski. One season later, he was chosen as the best player in the Bosnian League. 

Another 'crack' is Kylian Mbappé. The French international has achieved in just 19 years what many would have liked to have achieved in a whole lifetime. He has already been world champion with France, as well as being chosen as the best young player in the World Cup. Mbappé, at the same age of Vinicius, scored a hat-trick for Monaco, where he was one of the key players. 

Mentioned in the news story

Luka Modrić
C. Ronaldo
Vinícius Júnior
K. Mbappé
A. Griezmann
L. Messi
Real Madrid