Back to the United States Newsfeed

Vinicius' NBA, NFL love goes beyond signed shirts, star pals

The images of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Manchester City defender Kyle Walker greeting each other after the first leg of their Champions League semifinal went viral last month. The moment was one of mutual respect between two elite athletes after an evening of tough competition. For Vinicius, it was also an opportunity to speak some of the English he had recently been practicing with Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

The Brazil international has an enormous admiration for North American sports.