Vinicius Junior Surges Past Champions League Legend to Climb Real Madrid's Historic Scoring Charts
Vinícius Júnior netted his opening strike of the 2025–26 campaign versus Real Oviedo, moving past Gareth Bale in Real Madrid's record books.
The Brazilian star faced expectations to deliver after being held scoreless in Los Blancos' La Liga season opener. Vinícius Júnior managed just 11 domestic league strikes last term, a disappointing tally for the player donning Real Madrid's iconic number seven jersey.
Amid growing scrutiny and rumors of contract negotiations with the Spanish club, Vinícius Júnior broke his duck in style. The South American didn't feature in the starting lineup against Oviedo, but following his assist for Kylian Mbappé's second goal that sealed the victory, he capped off the 3–0 triumph with a late third strike.
This strike marks Vinícius Júnior's 107th goal in Real Madrid colors, elevating him past Bale on the club's all-time scoring charts. The Welsh star had an outstanding stint with Los Blancos, capturing five Champions League crowns and 14 additional honors before departing the Spanish capital in 2022.
View the historic moment below.
Vinícius Júnior now sits as the 17th highest scorer in club history. His next target is Juanito, who registered 120 goals during his Real Madrid tenure.
See how the Brazilian forward ranks among the greatest scorers to wear the famous white jersey.
Rank | Player | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|
1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 451 |
2 | Karim Benzema | 354 |
3 | Raúl | 323 |
4 | Alfredo Di Stéfano | 306 |
5 | Santillana | 291 |
6 | Ferenc Puskás | 242 |
7 | Hugo Sánchez | 208 |
8 | Paco Gento | 179 |
9 | Pirri | 173 |
10 | Emilio Butragueño | 170 |
11 | Amancio | 153 |
12 | Míchel | 131 |
13 | Fernando Hierro | 127 |
14 | Pahiño | 126 |
15 | Gonzalo Higuaín | 121 |
16 | Juanito | 120 |
17 | Vinícius Júnior | 107 |
18 | Gareth Bale | 106 |
Vinícius Júnior remains far from matching the legendary totals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, but he will advance up the rankings as the campaign unfolds. Based on his historical output, he should break into the top 15 and beyond during the 2025–26 season.
The forward returns to action next weekend facing Mallorca in Real Madrid's last fixture before the September international window.