Brazil open their 2024 Copa America campaign against Costa Rica on Monday in Los Angeles with a whole new look almost from top to bottom, with Real Madrid's rising star Vinicius Jr leading a group that were waiting for an opportunity for a fresh start.

Brazil has an embarrassment of riches in this category, but the feature man is Vinicius Jr., who some believe is the current best player in the world after leading Real Madrid to yet another Champions League title.

"This first criminal conviction in Spanish history is not for me. It's for all black people," the Real Madrid and Brazil attacker posted on social media.

The defendants, who were not identified, were convicted of an offence against moral integrity with the aggravating factor of racially-motivated discrimination and slapped with a two-year match ban, the Valencia court said.

After inspiring Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League success, Vinicius is gearing up to reclaim the Copa America from arch-rivals Argentina. In the absence of an injured Neymar, the onus will be on the 23-year-old to lead Brazil to continental glory and given his stellar form the Selecao are already dreaming of success.

The French forward will lead one of the most potent forward lines in world football after he arrives from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract, a heady blend of skill, speed and dynamism.

Brazilian forward Vinicius scored six goals and made five assists in Real's victorious campaign, including the second in the 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley on Saturday.

Real Madrid withstood a Borussia Dortmund barrage to win the Champions League for a 15th time as Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior struck late in a 2-0 win at Wembley on Saturday.

Real Madrid withstood a Borussia Dortmund barrage to win the Champions League for the 15th time as Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior struck late in a 2-0 win at Wembley on Saturday.

Real Madrid withstood a Borussia Dortmund barrage to win the Champions League for the 15th time as Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior struck late in a 2-0 win at Wembley on Saturday.

The campaign for Vinicius Junior to land his first Ballon d'Or is well under way, but the Real Madrid forward has his priorities straight.

Carlo Ancelotti's side continued warming up for the Champions League final with a comprehensive demolition of their Basque visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu.

 Vinicius Jr's dazzling performances at Real Madrid have put the Brazilian forward in conversation to win his first Ballon d'Or and manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday the 23-year-old deserved to win the prestigious award.

Enthralling first-leg semifinals in the Champions League have left the fate of the return legs in greater anticipation and in edge-of-the-seat poise, with Borussia Dortmund upstaging Kylian Mbappe’s PSG in Germany and 14-time winners Real Madrid snatching a draw against Bayern Munich away from home.

Ancelotti was critical of his team's commitment after Vinicius Jr's first-half goal gave them the lead as Bayern struck twice in four minutes early in the second half to turn the game around before Vinicius equalised from the penalty spot.

Eight days on from a captivating six-goal spectacular at the Santiago Bernabeu, Manchester City and Real Madrid reconvene for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday.

The Real Madrid forward has suffered abuse from opposition fans on many occasions in recent years, with one incident in Valencia in May provoking worldwide outrage.

Real Madrid and Brazil forward Vinicius Junior has suffered racial abuse on many occasions in recent years, with one incident in Valencia in May provoking worldwide outrage.

Brazil will hope not to break an ignominious 23-year-old record when they visit Wembley Stadium to square off against hosts England in a mouthwatering friendly on Saturday.

On Thursday, Vinicius urged the European governing body UEFA to take action against alleged racist chants directed at him by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona fans.