Across the street, the local football pitch is being opened. On its walls, alongside motivational phrases like “Dedication, Love, Education,” are four large fabric banners featuring Vinicius Jr in joyful moments: celebrating victory in the South American U17 Championship, playing for Flamengo, and lifting the Champions League trophy in a Real Madrid jersey.

“Thank you, Vinicius,” one banner reads. “Go and show them what you can do.”

This is the place where Vinicius Jr began his journey: the Escola Flamengo in Mutua. Though affiliated with Brazil’s largest professional team and supported by around 120 satellite schools nationwide, this local academy operates on a tight budget, with worn artificial grass and frayed goal nets. It’s managed by a dedicated husband-and-wife team, driven more by passion than profit.