The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway across North America, and athletes from every corner of professional sports have been tuning in. NBA and NFL stars have attended the matches in the tournament, and the crossover between American sports and global football has been in the spotlight.
One soccer superstar who has built connections across those worlds is Vinícius Júnior, the Brazilian forward and Real Madrid star. Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson revealed during the final day of Atlanta’s minicamp just how close the two have become.
Bijan Robinson Opens Up on His Relationship With Vinícius Júnior
Robinson told ESPN the relationship began through an unlikely connection: the two share the same jeweler and first crossed paths roughly three years ago. The bond deepened when Brazil played a friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2024, and the two met up afterward.
“From there, we’ve been the closest,” Robinson said. “Last year, he was just like sending me the highlights of the game and stuff like that. So, it’s cool to hang out with him, talk to him. He’s such a great dude. He’s a really, really good person. And I know what he does on the field and what I do on the field, [there are] a lot of similarities.”
“So, we’re both fans of each other,” Robinson added. “So, it’s been a great relationship, man. And I’m excited to see what he can do with [the] World Cup.”
Robinson also revealed that he shares a personality trait with Vinícius. He said, “I smile a lot, he smiles a lot. But we just talk about everything, like random stuff, just what’s in the moment, what’s in the time, and then that’s about it.”
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator
The Falcons star is coming off the best season of his career as he rushed for 1,478 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He also recorded 79 catches for 820 yards and four touchdowns.
Robinson posted an impact score of 86.5 last season on PFSN RB Impact Metric, which ranked third in the league. He is also expected to sign a lucrative contract extension before the start of the season.
SIMULATE THE WORLD CUP: PFN’s FREE FIFA World Cup Simulator
As for Vinícius, the pressure to deliver on the international stage has followed him for years. He has won two Champions League titles with Real Madrid and emerged as one of the most dangerous attackers in world football, but his record with Brazil in major tournaments has been less convincing.
However, Vinícius’ tournament has started on a high note as he scored a stunning equalizer in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco in their World Cup opener. But Carlo Ancelotti’s side looked disjointed for much of that match, and the dropped points have added urgency heading into their second match of the group stage.
Brazil faces Haiti tonight in Philadelphia, and a convincing win is crucial for them to regain momentum in Group C.
With Neymar’s international influence fading due to age and persistent injuries, Vinícius has become Brazil’s most important attacker. Whether he can carry his country deep into this tournament will go a long way toward defining his legacy beyond club football.