Vinicius Jr played his first game for Real Madrid this pre-season in a 1-0 victory against LaLiga rivals Deportivo La Coruna.
The 26-year-old Brazilian winger started the match before being replaced on 71 minutes for Jorge Cestero by new head coach Jose Mourinho. A first-half stoppage-time goal from Brahim Diaz secured the victory for Real Madrid as they lifted the pre-season Teresa Herrera Trophy.
The fixture marked Vinicius Jr's first appearance since undergoing chin harmonisation surgery. According to Brazilian news outlet TMC, the forward traveled directly to a dermatologist in Goiania after landing back in his homeland following a short vacation in Europe with his on-and-off girlfriend Virginia Fonseca.
The cosmetic operation uses fillers to sculpt the facial contour and add definition to the chin. Vinicius Jr opted for the procedure after being cruelly mocked over his appearance during the World Cup. He posed alongside Dr Alessandro Alarcao, who performed the surgery in Goiania, in a photograph that emerged online.
Viral Social Media Reactions
Images of the forward appearing unrecognizable after the procedure went viral across social media platforms, with supporters highlighting his dramatic transformation. Social media account Madrid Zone shared a picture of Vinicius Jr at the clinic following his surgery on July 20, 2026, while user Anabella commented on July 21, 2026, that he looked like an artificial intelligence version of himself.
New Six-Year Contract Extension
The surgery came during an eventful summer for Vinicius Jr, who had previously been linked with a potential move away from the Spanish giants. Premier League club Arsenal had emerged as a leading potential destination as the winger entered the final 12 months of his deal.
However, speculation over a transfer ended earlier this month when Vinicius Jr signed a new six-year contract extension at Real Madrid until 2032.
Posting on Instagram after signing the contract, Vinicius Jr wrote: "Eight years at the Bernabeu are too short.... Six more years, and then forever." Real Madrid acknowledged his contribution in an official statement, saying: "Vinicius Jr has become one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in our history."
World Cup Defeat and Career Record
Vinicius Jr returned to Real Madrid last week for his first pre-season training session and medical assessment. The return followed Brazil's World Cup campaign, where the national team was eliminated in the last-16 stage after a 2-1 defeat to Norway.
The Brazilian forward originally joined Real Madrid from Brazilian team Flamengo in 2018 and previously signed a contract extension three years ago. Over his career at the Santiago Bernabeu, he has scored 128 goals in 375 appearances across all competitions, winning two UEFA Champions League titles, three LaLiga championships, and one Copa del Rey.
