In a night that felt more like a "reconciliation" than a football match, Vinícius Júnior has officially carved his name deeper into the record books of the world's most successful club. On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, during Real Madrid’s thumping 6–1 victory over AS Monaco, the Brazilian winger provided two assists, officially becoming Real Madrid’s second-top assist maker in UEFA Champions League history.
Surpassing the legendary Karim Benzema, Vini Jr. now trails only one man in the club's European history: Cristiano Ronaldo.
The "Vini" Climb: Real Madrid's All-Time UCL Assist Leaders
At just 25 years old, Vinícius has achieved in seven seasons what many legends couldn't manage in a lifetime.
His two assists against Monaco—one for Kylian Mbappé and one for Franco Mastantuono—took his tally to 29 assists in the competition for Real Madrid.
Note: Vini Jr. is now just 2 assists away from equalling Ronaldo’s club record and 13 assists away from Ronaldo’s all-time competition record (42).
Silence the Boos: A Man of the Match Statement
The milestone comes at a crucial time for the Brazilian. Despite his status, Vini had been subjected to uncharacteristic jeers from a section of the Bernabéu crowd during recent La Liga matches, with many blaming him for the tactical friction that led to the exit of former manager Xabi Alonso.
The Monaco Masterclass:
26’: A sensational outside-of-the-boot cross for Mbappé’s second goal.
51’: A perfectly weighted pass for 18-year-old Mastantuono’s historic first goal.
63’: Topped the night with a ferocious right-footed strike into the top corner to make it 5–0.
The Result: The crowd’s jeers turned into a standing ovation as Vini was substituted late in the game by new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
Arbeloa: "The Bernabéu Needs Vini"
Speaking after his first Champions League win as head coach, Arbeloa was quick to defend his No. 7.
"Vini is a player who thrives on love. You saw it tonight—when the atmosphere changed and the fans got behind him, his level went up exponentially. He isn't just a dribbler; he is one of the greatest playmakers this club has ever seen. To pass Benzema at 25 is, quite frankly, frightening."
The Verdict: While the spotlight has often been on Kylian Mbappé this season, tonight was a reminder that Vinícius Júnior remains the creative heartbeat of Real Madrid. He doesn't just score the goals that win trophies; he creates the history that defines them.