Vinicius Junior has publicly invited Erling Haaland to join him on holiday in Brazil, extending a light-hearted World Cup storyline into the summer break as two of world football’s biggest stars cross paths off the pitch.
The Real Madrid and Brazil forward posted a series of photos on social media on Friday from his hometown of Rio de Janeiro, where he is spending a short break before pre-season, and directed a message at the Manchester City striker: “We’re waiting for you, Erling.”
Vinicius is currently vacationing with American actor Terry Crews, with the pair appearing together in multiple images that quickly attracted attention online. In one playful shot, the Brazil international is seen on Crews’ back, while other pictures show them lifting weights together and touring Vinicius’ personal trophy room.
The 24-year-old also used the visit to introduce Crews to members of his family, sharing further images from inside his home in Rio. The posts added to the growing off-field profile of the forward, who has become one of Real Madrid’s standout figures in recent seasons.
Viral World Cup meme brought to life
The unexpected trio of Vinicius, Haaland and Crews has its roots in a viral meme that spread widely during the recent World Cup. Using artificial intelligence, fans edited Vinicius and Haaland into one of the most famous scenes from the film “White Chicks”, in which Crews plays a prominent comedy role.
That meme gained huge traction on social media throughout the tournament, and Vinicius’ latest posts are being seen by many supporters as a tongue-in-cheek nod to that online phenomenon. By openly inviting Haaland to join him and Crews on holiday, the Brazilian appears to be leaning into the joke that has linked the three men.
From World Cup rivals to friendly invite
The social media invitation comes only weeks after Vinicius and Haaland faced each other on the biggest stage in international football. The forward from Sao Goncalo was one of Brazil’s standout players at the World Cup, scoring four goals in the group stage and helping to drive the Selecao’s early campaign.
However, Brazil’s tournament ended in the last 16 with a 2-1 defeat to Norway, led by Haaland. The Manchester City striker scored both goals in that match, sending his country through and eliminating the five-time world champions.
One of the most replayed moments from that knockout tie came after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, when Vinicius embraced Haaland in the mixed zone. The hug was widely shared as a symbol of respect between two of the game’s leading forwards, despite the disappointment for Brazil and their supporters.
Off-field spotlight on Vinicius
Away from the pitch, Vinicius has been a regular presence in entertainment and celebrity coverage in Brazil in recent weeks. His noticeably altered appearance has prompted speculation in local media that he has undergone cosmetic surgery, with images from his holiday in Rio further fuelling discussion about his new look.
He has also drawn attention through his frequent online interactions with Brazilian influencer Virginia Fonseca. The pair announced their separation on 15 May, on the eve of the World Cup, bringing an apparent end to their relationship at a time when Vinicius was preparing for the tournament.
Recent photos and posts on social media, however, have led to suggestions that the couple may have reconciled, with their latest content interpreted by many followers as a sign that they are back together.
For now, though, it is Vinicius’ light-hearted invitation to Haaland – issued from the gym and trophy room of his Rio home alongside Terry Crews – that is keeping his name in the headlines as the build-up to the new season with Real Madrid approaches.
