Vinícius Jr. Broke Down on TV After Hearing His Grandmother’s Voice. Here’s What He Said.

Brazilian star Vinícius Jr. has been through a lot on the pitch this World Cup. But it was something off the field that got to him this week.

The Real Madrid and Brazil forward appeared on the Brazilian show Domingao com Huck and was caught completely off guard when producers played a recorded message from his grandmother, Nilza. The video has since gone viral across social media, and for good reason. He didn’t just get misty-eyed. He broke down.

Vinícius has talked openly before about how much his grandmother means to him. She helped raise him in a tiny house in São Gonçalo, a working-class suburb of Rio de Janeiro. His father wasn’t around much, so Nilza stepped in. In the clip, Vinícius struggles to get the words out.

“She is a very special person because my father always lived far away so I grew up with my mother and my siblings and my grandmother,” he said. “The house was tiny and I slept next to her for so many nights. I am honestly speechless. She marked my life forever. I know the moment will come when people pass away so I try to cherish every single second with her.”

The quotes were translated by Marca.

It’s a reminder that even players who look unbreakable on the field are human underneath all that. And for Vinícius, family has always been the anchor.

Vinícius says Ancelotti gives Brazil ‘freedom’

During the same interview, Vinícius didn’t shy away from praising Brazil’s current manager. Which makes sense, since that manager is Carlo Ancelotti. The same guy who coached him at Real Madrid.

“Many of these players competed in the last Copa America,” Vinícius said. “Ancelotti gives us immense freedom and tranquility along with the hope needed to return to the top. Having Neymar and Casemiro plus Alex Sandro and Danilo and Marquinhos who are highly experienced gives us peace of mind so the younger players have room to grow. I am only 25 years old, but an incredible generation is coming up with Endrick and Rayan.”

Brazil already punched its ticket to the knockout stage after a dramatic late winner against Japan in the Round of 32. Gabriel Martinelli saved the day with a stoppage-time goal that kept the tournament hopes alive. Next up, Brazil will face the winner of the Ivory Coast versus Norway match.

And if Vinícius keeps playing with that kind of emotion, don’t be surprised if he ends up lifting the trophy at the end of all this.