Vinicius Jr goes undercover in Times Square during 24-hour trip to New York as Real Madrid star poses with pop star Rihanna & 7ft 3in NBA ace Victor Wembanyama

Vinicius’ holiday celebrations began in Miami, where he spent time with WNBA star Angel Reese. The duo shared a warm moment, highlighting Vinícius’ growing rapport with athletes across sports. However, his next destination - New York City - brought an entirely new level of stardom.

On Christmas Day, the Real Madrid star was spotted courtside at Madison Square Garden, attending the NBA’s iconic Christmas Day game. Vinicius grabbed prime seats to watch the New York Knicks in action, soaking in the electrifying atmosphere of the festive basketball showcase.

The event was only a prelude to the high-profile encounters that followed. After the game, Vinicius posed with none other than Rihanna, the global music icon turned business mogul. In a playful photograph, Rihanna, known for her vibrant personality and entrepreneurial success, placed her arm around the Brazilian footballer’s neck while tilting her cap over her face. The moment quickly became a social media highlight, capturing the attention of fans worldwide.

Vinicius’ foray into the NBA world didn’t stop there. The Real Madrid winger exchanged jerseys with Knicks player Josh Hart, commemorating his visit to the Garden. He also took the opportunity to meet and snap photos with basketball legends, including retired star Carmelo Anthony and the towering 7ft 3in Wembanyama, one of the most promising talents in the league.

For Vinicius, this trip wasn’t just about stardom but also an opportunity to recharge. The Brazilian forward has been in scintillating form for Real Madrid this season, with an impressive tally of 13 goals and nine assists in just 20 matches across all competitions. His performances have been pivotal in keeping Madrid competitive in both La Liga and the Champions League. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, including a January 4 clash against Valencia, Vinicius is undoubtedly preparing to return to action with renewed energy.