Abner Vinícius da Silva Santos, born on May 27, 2000, is quickly making a name for himself in world football. The Brazilian left-back, known for his speed, defensive strength, and attacking contributions, currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais in France’s Ligue 1. Having started his professional career in Brazil, Abner’s journey from local football to one of Europe’s top leagues is inspiring. With his recent move to Lyon in July 2024, his career is now set to enter a thrilling new chapter.
Abner’s rise to fame has been closely followed by football enthusiasts, with many excited to see how he adapts to the competitive European scene. His performances have already earned him a spot in the Brazil national team, where he was selected for the 2024 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This article will dive into Abner Vinícius’ career, stats, his connection with fellow Brazilian Vinícius Jr., and his personal life.
Key Takeaways
- Abner Vinícius is a Brazilian left-back who currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1.
- He began his professional career at Ponte Preta, before moving to Athletico Paranaense, Real Betis, and finally Lyon.
- Abner is known for his solid defensive abilities and his potential to make attacking contributions.
- His career has seen him represent Brazil’s national team, including winning a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- There is no confirmed information about Abner’s siblings or any familial connection to fellow footballer Vinícius Jr.
Abner Vinícius – Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Abner Vinícius began his professional career at Ponte Preta, a club based in his home country of Brazil. It was here that he first showcased his talents, quickly becoming known for his defensive capabilities and his ability to join attacks as a left-back. His impressive performances led to a transfer to Athletico Paranaense, where his career really began to take off.
At Athletico Paranaense, Abner gained further recognition, especially with his key role in the team’s defense during several domestic competitions. His versatility on the pitch allowed him to impress not just coaches but scouts from top European clubs. After a standout season, he secured a move to La Liga side Real Betis in 2021.
While playing for Real Betis, Abner’s playing time was more limited, but his potential was still evident. This led to his high-profile move to Olympique Lyonnais in 2024, marking an exciting step in his career. His signing for Lyon, reportedly for €8 million, is a significant moment for the club, as they hope to develop Abner into one of the premier left-backs in Europe.
Abner Vinícius’ Stats and Playing Style
As of November 2024, Abner Vinícius has made 213 professional appearances across all competitions, scoring 8 goals. His early years in Brazil saw him become a regular starter for Ponte Preta, where he made 147 appearances and netted 6 goals. His time at Athletico Paranaense added 93 appearances and 5 goals, showing his growth as a solid defender with an ability to contribute offensively.
At Real Betis, Abner made 45 appearances, though he didn’t score any goals. However, it was his recent move to Lyon that has started to see more offensive contributions, with 9 appearances and 2 goals for his new club as of November 2024.
Abner is best known for his speed, dribbling, and work rate. He is comfortable joining attacks from the left-back position and is always a threat with his pace on the flank. Defensively, he has a solid reputation for winning duels and keeping opponents at bay.
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Ponte Preta | 147 | 6 |
| Athletico Paranaense | 93 | 5 |
| Real Betis | 45 | 0 |
| Olympique Lyonnais | 9 | 2 |
Abner Vinícius’ Connection with Vinícius Jr.
A common question that arises when discussing Abner Vinícius is his connection to Vinícius Jr., the popular Brazilian winger currently playing for Real Madrid. Despite sharing the same surname and coming from similar backgrounds in Brazil, the two players are not related. They both represent the new wave of Brazilian football talent, but their paths are separate.
Vinícius Jr. has risen to fame as one of the best young wingers in the world, playing a critical role for both Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. On the other hand, Abner’s rise has been steady, with a focus on his development as a left-back. Fans of both players have noted their impressive skills, but there is no familial connection between the two, despite the shared name.
Abner Vinícius’ Personal Life and Family
While much of Abner Vinícius’ career details are well documented, there is little public information about his personal life, especially when it comes to his family. As of now, there are no known details about whether he has any siblings. Furthermore, his personal relationships remain mostly private, with his focus primarily on his football career.
There have also been no confirmed reports regarding Abner’s brother or any direct family ties that have impacted his football journey. While fans are curious about his family background, the player remains somewhat reserved when it comes to personal information, preferring to keep the spotlight on his performances on the field.
Abner Vinícius and His Future at Lyon
Abner’s move to Olympique Lyonnais represents a fresh start in his football career, with the hope that he can showcase his talents at a higher level. Lyon, a club with a rich history in French football, provides Abner the platform to prove himself in Ligue 1 and potentially secure more international opportunities with Brazil.
His recent call-up to the Brazil national team for the 2024 FIFA World Cup qualifiers is a testament to his growing reputation. Abner will be looking to make a mark in the international scene, just as he has done in his club career.
FAQs
Who is Abner Vinícius?
Abner Vinícius is a Brazilian left-back who currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais in France’s Ligue 1. He has also represented Brazil at the international level, including winning a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
What clubs has Abner Vinícius played for?
Abner Vinícius began his career at Ponte Preta in Brazil, before moving to Athletico Paranaense. He later joined Real Betis in Spain and, as of 2024, plays for Olympique Lyonnais in France.
Is Abner Vinícius related to Vinícius Jr.?
No, Abner Vinícius and Vinícius Jr. are not related. They share the same surname but are not family members.
How many goals has Abner Vinícius scored in his career?
As of November 2024, Abner Vinícius has scored 8 goals in 213 appearances across all competitions for his various clubs.
What is Abner Vinícius’ playing style?
Abner Vinícius is known for his speed, strong defensive skills, and ability to contribute to attacks from the left-back position. He is also noted for his solid work rate and defensive abilities.
Where does Abner Vinícius currently play?
Abner Vinícius currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1, having joined the club in July 2024.