Houston: Ahead of Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Japan, Brazil and Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr reflected on his personal journey, speaking about his grandmother's influence, his fight against racism, and the pride of representing his country on football's biggest stage.

In an interview with Brazilian broadcaster Globo TV, the 25-year-old described his grandmother as one of the most influential figures in his life, recalling the sacrifices she made while raising him.

"My grandmother is a very important person in my life. I lived with her until I was 16 years old. When you started speaking, I already knew it was her," he told Globo TV.

He also shared memories of growing up in a modest home, where his grandmother became the family's pillar while his father worked away from home.

"She's a very important person to me because my father always lived far away. So, I always had my mother and my siblings with my grandmother, who always did everything. The house was very small; I slept with her. I even run out of words. She's a person who marked my life," he added.

Beyond football, Vinicius said the impact he makes off the pitch means more to him than trophies or personal accolades.

"These achievements off the field are much more important than those on the field, because I can help a lot more people," he said.

The Brazilian forward also reiterated his commitment to fighting racism, an issue he has confronted throughout his career with Real Madrid after repeatedly being subjected to racist abuse in Spain.

"May the evolution continue so that the next generation doesn't suffer from racism. I want to keep doing great things on the field, but also inspire young people and fight for all Black people who don't have the voice that I have," he told Globo TV.

Looking back on his World Cup journey, Vinicius said fulfilling his childhood dream of representing Brazil remains one of the greatest achievements of his career.

"I've always dreamed of playing in the World Cup, and now I'm in my second. There's nothing better than representing my country and all those players who dreamed of getting here. It seems easy, but it was years of battle," he added.

Vinicius has been Brazil's standout performer at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, scoring four goals and providing one assist to help the five-time champions top Group C for a record-extending 12th consecutive World Cup.

Brazil will face Japan in the Round of 32 on June 29 (local time), with a place in the last 16 at stake. The Selecao have finished top of their World Cup group at every tournament since 1982, extending a remarkable 44-year streak of group-stage dominance. (ANI)