Vinícius Junior follows Mbappé's example and buys a club in Portugal

The American business magazine Forbes has shed more light on Vinícius Junior's impending venture into football club ownership, revealing that the deal is nearly finalized for a sum close to ten million euros.

The Brazilian superstar is on the verge of acquiring FC Alverca, a club competing in Portugal's Liga Portugal 2, the country's second division, where it currently holds an eighth-place standing. This move marks a significant step in Vinícius's career off the pitch, showcasing his ambitions to expand his influence beyond being one of the world's top footballers.

FC Alverca, a club with a rich history but limited recent success, presents an intriguing investment opportunity. Located in the Lisbon district, the club is known for its focus on nurturing talent and developing players for higher levels of competition. Despite its modest standing, Alverca has a solid infrastructure and a passionate fan base, making it an attractive project for a young investor like Vinícius. His acquisition is expected to bring not only financial resources but also global visibility, which could help elevate the club's status in Portuguese football and beyond.

Vinícius Junior’s financial capability to make such an investment is beyond question. As reported by Forbes, his estimated net worth in 2024 was around 53 million euros, bolstered by an annual salary of 38 million euros at Real Madrid and lucrative sponsorship deals with global brands. These earnings rank him seventh among the highest-earning footballers in the world, underscoring his commercial appeal and marketability. His rise in the footballing world, both in terms of performance and earnings, has been meteoric, and this latest move into club ownership demonstrates his strategic approach to leveraging his wealth and influence.

The Brazilian winger’s decision to invest in FC Alverca follows a growing trend of footballers turning to club ownership as a way to remain involved in the sport and build their post-playing careers. One of the most notable examples is David Beckham, who owns Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Beckham’s venture has been a resounding success, particularly with the high-profile signing of Lionel Messi, which has transformed Inter Miami into a global brand. Another prominent figure is Ronaldo Nazário, the Brazilian legend, who owns two clubs: Real Valladolid in Spain and Cruzeiro in Brazil. His dual ownership demonstrates the potential for footballers to diversify their investments across different leagues and markets.

In England, Salford City stands out as a unique case of club ownership, with a group of Manchester United legends David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and the Neville brothers joining forces to transform a lower-league club into a competitive entity. Their investment has not only revitalized Salford City but also inspired other footballers to explore similar opportunities.

For Vinícius, the purchase of FC Alverca represents more than just a financial transaction; it is a chance to make a lasting impact on the sport in a country with deep footballing roots. Portugal’s Liga Portugal 2 is a competitive league that serves as a proving ground for young talent and a stepping stone to the Primeira Liga, the top tier of Portuguese football. By investing in Alverca, Vinícius could help the club attract better players, improve its facilities, and ultimately aim for promotion to the top division. His presence as an owner could also inspire young players, particularly from Brazil, to view Alverca as a viable pathway to European football.

The timing of this move is particularly interesting, as it comes amidst a wave of interest in Portuguese football from international investors. The country's strategic location, strong footballing tradition, and relatively affordable investment opportunities have made it an attractive market. For Vinícius, who is still in the prime of his playing career, this could be the beginning of a broader involvement in football management and business, laying the foundation for a post-retirement career.

Vinícius’s acquisition of FC Alverca also draws parallels with his Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé, who recently made headlines by becoming the owner of SM Caen in France. Mbappé’s investment highlights a similar ambition to influence football beyond the pitch, and together, these young stars are setting a new precedent for active players exploring business ventures in the sport.

While the details of Vinícius’s plans for FC Alverca are yet to be fully revealed, the potential impact of his involvement is already generating excitement among fans and stakeholders. The deal symbolizes a new chapter for the Portuguese club and serves as a testament to the changing landscape of football, where players are increasingly taking control of their destinies, both on and off the field. With Vinícius’s leadership and resources, FC Alverca could very well become a success story in the coming years, marking another milestone in the extraordinary career of one of football’s brightest stars.