From Ronaldo to Roberto Carlos, from Marcelo to Casemiro, we’ve seen quite a few Brazilian phenoms light it up at Real Madrid this century. President Florentino Pérez’s thirst for Brazilian players has only been heightened by losing out on the signing of Santos winger Neymar to archrivals Barcelona in 2013. Since then, we’ve seen various Brazilians deliver on the world’s biggest stage and emerge as key figures for Real, such as Éder Militão, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes. But we’ve also seen others
such as Reinier Jesus, Lucas Silva, and Danilo.
Born on February 23, 2004, Vinícius Augusto Tobías da Silva grew up in the Jardim Matarazzo quarter of São Paulo, where he quickly became obsessed with football before leaving his family and starting a new life for himself in Porto Alegre at 12 years of age. Tobías was able to escape rampant hunger and poverty in the favelas and enjoy a new lease on life in Internacional’s academy, rising through the ranks for club and country and playing seven and six times for Brazil’s U-15s and U-16s in 2019, and twice for their U-17s in 2021 before playing three times for their U-20s in 2022 and once for their U-23s in 2023. Such was his promise that, despite not yet making his senior debut, Shakhtar Donetsk decided to pay €6 million for him in July 2021.
“I think that our country, Brazil, produces many very talented players that we see emerging over the years. So, of course, being in this country helped me a lot, and learning from these great players who came from our country was also a great experience,” stated Tobias in an exclusive R.Org interview. “I think, for me, it’s a privilege to have been born in Brazil and to have this gift that all Brazilians have. Of course, remembering where I came from and my roots has always helped me and continues to help me to this day. I think it has always helped me, and it always will.”
He would have to wait until February 2022 before turning 18 and making the move to Türkiye, where he underwent preseason preparation. However, shortly after setting up shop in Ukraine, he was forced to depart his new surroundings after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and started the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. FIFA granted special exemptions to foreign players like Tobías, who was able to join Real Madrid Castilla on a short-term loan, making four appearances during the final months of the campaign.
“Honestly, my reaction when I found out that I was going to Real…I didn’t even believe it. I had just left Shakhtar because of the war, so when I heard the news that Real Madrid Castilla wanted me on loan, I couldn’t believe it, because I was taking a huge step forward in my career. I didn’t make my debut for Shakhtar when I arrived, and suddenly I ended up at Real Madrid Castilla. Actually, I was a little shaken at first, but it finally clicked after I got there and did my first workouts. I was very happy and very fulfilled because of that.”
Tobias was able to polish his skills alongside the likes of Nico Paz, Álex Jiménez, Rafa Marín, and Gonzalo García, establishing himself as Castilla’s starting right back and leading them to the verge of promotion, in addition to competing in the UEFA Youth League. And on January 6, 2024, Tobias made his first and only appearance for Real Madrid’s first team, playing 88 minutes in a 3-1 Copa del Rey win against lower-tier outfit Arandina. Nevertheless, despite registering eight assists in 61 appearances for Castilla (as well as playing five times for their U19s), it wasn’t enough to see Real trigger their €15 million purchase option, with Real instead setting their sights on a free transfer for Trent Alexander-Arnold the following summer.
Instead, Tobías returned to Ukraine and signed a contract through June 30, 2029, before racking up six assists in 26 appearances and leading the Miners to the Ukrainian Cup. It’s been more of the same this season for Tobias, who has registered two goals and three assists in 31 appearances for Shakhtar. Arda Turan’s side sit level with league leaders LNZ Cherkasy on 47 points – with a game in hand as well – and will be facing off against AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Conference League quarterfinals. If they are to challenge on both fronts, they’ll need Tobias to be at his best.
“This year, I intend to achieve all my dreams, which is to win titles with Shakhtar, win the league, especially the Conference League where we’ve been playing great games…everyone can see that. I think my goal today at Shakhtar is winning all the tournaments we play in, making a name for myself within this club, and fulfilling all our possible dreams.”
