Inside the World of Vitor Reis: The Making of a Football Leader

Robinho’s life was marked by many controversies off the pitch, but he surprised the world with a gesture that changed countless lives. Among those lives is Vitor Reis, a natural-born leader whose incredible journey we are about to share. While many recognize Vitor as a modern-day defender, few know the deep roots that shaped his career.

It all began with Robinho’s vision. Using his football earnings, he founded the R10 Academy in Paraíba, creating a platform that nurtured young talent. This academy became the starting point for Vitor Reis’ rise in football.

This story is about more than just a rising defensive talent. It’s about Vitor Reis, the leader of Endrick’s generation and a serial youth trophy winner. We’ll tell the story of a Defender with an ability to balance defence skills and attack, a quality that has set him apart since his childhood.

This article about Vitor Reis goes beyond career stats and highlights. It’s a complete biography that reveals his background, childhood story, and early career years. It also introduces you to his parents, especially his mum, and gives insight into his personality outside the beautiful game.

Our goal is to spark your interest in football autobiographies by sharing Vitor Reis’ inspiring journey. To begin, here’s a gallery that captures his story, from being a young talent shaped by Robinho’s investment to his meteoric rise, leading to his move to Manchester City. Vitor Reis has truly come a long way.

Introducing his Background:

For starters, Vitor Reis is fondly known by the nickname “Vitinho.” His full name is Vitor de Oliveira Nunes dos Reis. The talented central defender was born on January 12, 2006, in Santana, São José dos Campos, located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Vitor’s path to football success is firmly grounded in his family roots. His mother, Ana de Oliveira Nunes, has been a constant source of strength and inspiration. Fans got a glimpse of this bond when Vitor proudly introduced his parents during a significant milestone in his career. It was the day he won his first individual award as a professional athlete, an honour achieved in his debut season with Palmeiras.

Vitor Reis’ Football Journey: From Local School to R10 Academy:

Vitor de Oliveira Nunes dos Reis found his passion for football at a small school in his neighbourhood. He started as a number 10, a creative playmaker who scored plenty of goals and led his team to victory. Early on, Vitor realized his destiny was to become a professional footballer. That dream took shape when he joined the R10 Academy in Paraíba, founded by former Brazilian star Robinho.

It was at the AD Parahyba field where Vitor began to shine. While his father worked tirelessly to support the family, his mother, Ana, was his constant source of encouragement. She was always there, dropping him off, picking him up, and cheering him on. Ana’s pride knew no bounds when her son won his first medal at São José dos Campos. That moment marked the beginning of a journey filled with dedication, sacrifice, and unforgettable memories.

Did you know? As a kid, Vitor made an unforgettable impact by scoring 33 goals in a city tournament. This achievement showed his potential to shine in his club’s youth ranks. Vitor was always the one with a big heart, ready to help his team anywhere, whether in midfield, defence, or attack.

Despite transitioning to a defender, Vitor spent his time at R10 wearing the number 10 shirt. As a kid, he was always ready to step up and score when needed. Even with his natural ability to find the back of the net and earn both golden and silver boots, he knew his calling was in defence. Even as a defender, Vitor stood out as the top scorer in a competition in São José dos Campos.

The Road to Palmeiras:

Vitor Reis always dreamed of playing for a team that could take him to Europe. While at Robinho’s academy, he set his sights on Brazil’s top clubs, starting with big clubs from the state where he lived. In São Paulo, he went for Palmeiras trials and impressed everyone with flying colours at Palmeiras.

Reis’ 33 goals in that tournament were proof of his immense talent. It wasn’t just his win at the trials; it was a message to the Palmeiras academy staff. His performance left them no choice but to approve him instantly. For Vitor, this success was also about honouring the people who believed in him, especially his coach. He never forgets to thank the coach from R-10 Academy in Paraíba, where it all began, and the man who laid the foundation for his rise in football.

At just ten years old, Vitor Reis stepped into the world of Palmeiras, starting with the under-10s. Vitor Reis was discovered by Palmeiras’ scout, José Jorge Santos, who recognized his leadership qualities, talent, and versatility. These attributes aligned perfectly with the club’s needs, making him an ideal fit for their youth development system. On the day of his enrollment in 2016, Vitor was accompanied by his proud parents, and together, they received a warm, heartfelt welcome from Palmeiras. It was the start of a journey that would change his life forever.

Continued Rise with Palmeiras

When Vitor arrived at Palmeiras, he quickly became close friends with Endrick and Luís Guilherme. The three of them grew up together in the youth team, and their bond lasted until the two attackers moved on to bigger things—Endrick to Carlo Ancelotti‘s Real Madrid and Luís Guilherme to West Ham.

From the very start, Vitor was more than just a talented player. As he progressed through the under-11s, his natural leadership shone brightly. He became the one to rally the team, both on and off the pitch. His ability to lead and inspire was unmatched, which is why he captained every youth team he played for at Palmeiras. His journey was just beginning, and it was clear that greatness was on the horizon.

Vitor Reis wasn’t just a captain; he was a trailblazer for a new era at Palmeiras’ youth teams. He helped secure trophies like the Paulista Under-15 and Under-11, making his mark early. His leadership qualities were evident from the start, as he knew how to inspire his team both in moments of defeat and during celebrations. Vitor was more than just a defender; he was a true leader on and off the pitch, always guiding his teammates with confidence and heart. As captain of the Endrick generation, Vitor Reis’ ability to lead became one of his defining traits. It was during this time that he started winning trophies for his youth team, cementing his place as a true leader.

As a defender and captain, Vitor earned the respect and trust of his teammates, including stars like Endrick, Estêvão Willian, and Luis Guilherme. His leadership gave the midfielders and attackers the freedom to focus on offence, knowing Vitor had defence covered.

Reis was the type of young leader who delivered eloquent pre-match speeches. His leadership didn’t change when he joined the Brazilian youth team. Wherever Vitor went, the captain’s armband was his. Attackers and midfielders felt free to focus on offence because they trusted Vitor to hold it down in defence. This unwavering leadership is why he’s considered one of the brightest prospects of his generation. At this time, his trophy collection at the youth level had begun to grow.

At just 16 years old, fans of Palmeiras were already demanding that their academy starboy be given a professional contract. Their calls were heard, and in late 2022, Vitor Reis signed his first professional contract with Palmeiras. It was a moment of pure joy for Vitor and his family, especially his mother, who had been by his side every step of the way. She watched with pride as her son sealed a three-year deal with the club he loved.

On October 11, 2023, before considering a move abroad, Vitor Reis achieved a remarkable milestone. The Guardian, a renowned English newspaper, named him one of the best players born in 2006 worldwide. He shared the spotlight with former Palmeiras teammates Endrick and Luis Guilherme. Other talents on the list included Australia’s Nestory Irankunda, Spain’s Marc Guiu, the Netherlands’ Jorrel Hato, Sweden’s Lucas Bergvall, and France’s Warren Zaïre-Emery.

A Rising Star Palmeiras Couldn’t Let Go

Five days after his debut, Vitor Reis made his first start. With Murilo injured, Abel Ferreira trusted Vitor to start in a classic match against Corinthians. Vitor delivered a solid defensive performance and even scored the second goal, securing a victory for Alviverde over their rival.

After the game, the young defender shared his emotions in an interview:

“Unbelievable! This is all new to me, having my first starting game, and it went like this. I’ll tell this story forever. It will always be remembered. The team has supported me so much since I arrived as a kid. When I found out I’d get this opportunity, I was overjoyed.”

With Luan Garcia’s departure, Vitor Reis became a regular in the professional squad. He balanced training with the main team and playing in under-20 competitions. However, limited options in defence led Abel Ferreira to make a permanent part of the first team.

Vitor Reis became a vital part of the Palmeiras squad, catching the attention of coach Abel Ferreira. The coach told the club’s board they no longer needed to consider selling him. “He’s a kid with a lot of potential,” Ferreira said. “Let him stay here.”

Causing a Paradigm Shift in Brazilian Defence:

At just 18, Vitor Reis wasn’t just a regular in Abel Ferreira’s team, he was creating waves in Brazilian football. He marked a shift in a country known for producing world-class attacking midfielders and forwards. With his unique style and trophy-winning mindset, Vitor made Brazilian football rethink its priorities.

His performances highlighted the need for other rival teams to have fast, technically gifted defenders, players who could defend, pass well, run fast and adapt quickly. From an English and European perspective, names like Joško Gvardiol, Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, and Fikayo Tomori come to mind. These are the players who dominate the modern game, becoming vital assets for elite teams. Vitor showed that Brazil, too, could produce defenders of this calibre.

When Vitor Reis led Brazil to victory in the 2023 South American U-17 Championship, his talent and leadership shone brighter than ever. It became clear that his impact extended far beyond his performances with Palmeiras. With his speed, technique, and commanding presence, many began to see him as the future replacement for Thiago Silva in the national team.

Vitor wasn’t just a rising star at the tournament; he symbolized a new era in Brazilian defence. As captain, he proved he had what it takes to lead his team to glory and inspire a paradigm shift in how Brazil approaches its defensive game.

As Vitor Reis rose through the ranks in Brazil’s colours, conversations sparked about him leading a new wave of Brazilian defenders. It’s no secret—Brazil is home to many fast, skilful players with great passing ability. But the challenge has always been converting them into strong centre-backs. Often, players are brilliant on the ball but lack defensive resilience.

This is why Brazil exports more wingers, strikers, and midfielders to Europe than defenders. Vitor Reis was that guy who was determined to break the mould. He became the rare player who excelled in both defence and offence, striking the perfect balance that Brazil’s football has long been searching for.

In his debut professional season, Vitor Reis played a key role in helping Palmeiras secure the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title. Remarkably, he repeated this success in the following season. Known for his unwavering commitment, he was the type of player who would do anything for his team, even at great personal risk.

For example, during the Copa do Brasil final, for instance, Reis collided with a Vasco da Gama player, resulting in a concussion. He was rushed to the hospital after regaining consciousness on the pitch. Despite such setbacks, he never let fear take over and was always ready to fight to the end. Even while playing with Palmeiras’ senior team, Vitor Reis continued to collect trophies with the reserve team, proving his unstoppable drive and winning spirit.

His Palmeiras: A Football Factory for Elite Players:

Brazilian football owes a lot to Palmeiras. The club has consistently produced top talent, and its youth system is one of the best in Brazil. Palmeiras’ success is a result of long-term investment that began during Paulo Nobre’s presidency. Did you know? Some of the greatest names exported by Palmeiras to Europe include the legendary Rivaldo, Cafu, and Roberto Carlos—three World Cup winners and arguably the best in their positions. The club also played a key role in sending Gabriel Jesus to Manchester City. Before Palmeiras, rival clubs Corinthians and São Paulo were known for sending young central defenders abroad. Most recently, in August 2023, highly rated Murillo made a €12 million move, with additional clauses, to Nuno Espírito Santo’s Nottingham Forest, beating both Napoli and City to secure the player.

Vitor Reis achieved the unimaginable in his journey to become one of Palmeiras’ notable exports to Europe. His relentless drive to add more trophies to his collection saw him conquer the Supercopa do Brasil and Campeonato Paulista multiple times. His ritual of feeding his faith and conquering his fears paid off. Boom! As soon as he helped his team secure these victories, European clubs started circling around him, eager to sign the talented defender.

As the 2024/2025 season reached its mid-point, Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, faced a series of injury setbacks. Key defenders like John Stones and Ruben Dias were sidelined, costing the team valuable Premier League points. To strengthen his squad, Guardiola decided it was time for a fresh start. Leadership was what City craved, and they saw it in Vitor Reis. When comparing him to other defenders in Brazil’s professional league, it was clear: Vitor excelled in passing, tackling, and winning aerial duels—exactly what Guardiola needed from a defender.

Still, Palmeiras never wanted to sell their star player. They wanted to keep Vitor for the 2025 Club World Cup. Even though Reis had just renewed his contract until 2028, Manchester City couldn’t resist. They kept pushing and finally met Palmeiras’ asking price. With a 93% chance of joining City at the time of writing this Bio, Vitor Reis was on the verge of making history as the most expensive centre-back to come out of Brazil. And, as they say, the rest is now history.

Away from the Game:

Vitor knows how to make time for a well-deserved break, whether it’s by the water or soaking up the sun at the beach. Hailing from Brazil, he’s discovered some of the best vacation spots where he can unwind and connect with nature. And, of course, Vitor never travels without his football – it’s always by his side as he always makes time to play some beach soccer and enjoy the game he loves.

Untold Facts:

In the final chapter of Vitor Reis’ biography, we’re about to reveal some lesser-known truths about him. Let’s dive in and explore!

FIFA Profile:

Vitor Reis is redefining what it means to be a defender, embodying the prototype of a modern-day player with multiple honours throughout his youth career. It’s simply unjust that EA Sports hasn’t given him the recognition he deserves. He definitely deserves at least an 88% potential rating.

Reis is seriously underrated in EA Sports FC 25, and his low rating definitely deserves an upgrade. Now that he’s joined Manchester City, partnering with Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov, his stats are likely to rise. For gamers who play Football Manager Career Mode, Reis would be a fantastic buy. He’s the kind of defender who can consistently command the backline for seasons to come.

Reis’ Expected Salary at Manchester City:

When SkySports News announced Vitor Reis’ £29.4m transfer to Manchester City in January 2025, the question quickly arose: where would he land on the club’s salary rankings? Certainly not at the top, where big names like Erling Haaland, earning £525,000 a week, and Kevin De Bruyne, at £400,000 a week, dominate. According to Capology, a trusted source for player earnings, Reis is expected to earn between £40,000 and £100,000 weekly. This places him in the lower salary bracket at City, alongside players like Jeremy Doku, fellow Brazilian Savio, and Norwegian star Oscar Bobb.

His Christian Beliefs:

Vitor Reis is open about his faith on social media. He often shares his gratitude, saying, “Grateful to God for everything!!” The Palmeiras defender is a devoted Christian and identifies with the Roman Catholic faith. He is part of the 53% of Brazilians who follow Roman Catholicism, as well as the 23% who identify as Evangelical Christians.

End Note:

From his early days at the R-10 Soccer school, Vitor Reis showed immense potential. At just 10 years old, he joined Palmeiras in 2016, where he quickly made a name for himself. Alongside his former teammates Endrick and Luís Guilherme, Vitor helped secure the Paulista championship in the Under-11 category. His leadership skills were evident early on, and by the time he reached the Under-15 team in 2021, he was already captaining his side.

Vitor’s passion for the game and natural talent propelled him through the ranks at Palmeiras, earning multiple trophies in the youth categories. His accomplishments include winning Paulista titles at Under-11, Under-15, and Under-17, as well as the Copa do Brasil Under-17 in both 2022 and 2023. His ability to lead on and off the field set him apart as a standout player.

In addition to his club success, Vitor earned national recognition. As captain of Brazil’s Under-17 team, he led them to victory in the South American Championship. He also represented his country in the Under-20 World Cup in 2023. His impressive performances caught the attention of global scouts, with The Guardian naming him one of the top 60 young players in the world.

Despite Palmeiras’ desire to keep him, Vitor’s talents were eventually recognized by Manchester City. The moment came when the English club reached a £29.4m agreement to sign him, making Vitor Reis the most expensive Brazilian defender in history. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of Brazil’s brightest stars, his journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Vitor’s rise, driven by his leadership and incredible talent, is a testament to his hard work and determination. We’re truly honoured to have shared his story with you.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for reading this article on Vitor Reis’ biography. We aim to provide accurate and fair football stories, just like we’ve done for players like Toti Gomes and Jean-Clair Todibo. If you notice any corrections or anything that doesn’t seem right in this piece about the rising star from São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil, please let us know. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Vitor Reis, his career, and his personality in the comments section.