Who is Vitor Roque? Unique Facts about Barcelona's Brazilian sensation

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Vitor Roque has made his Barcelona debut on Thursday (January 4) as he was brought on for the last 12 minutes against Las Palmas.

The Brazilian sensation joins Barcelona six months after signing for them and will be hoping to follow the footsteps of some illustrious compatriots who have graced the Barcelona shirt over the years.

Who is Vitor Roque?

Vitor Roque is a Brazilian footballer who has joined Barcelona on a long-term deal. Born on 28 February 2005 in Timóteo, Minas Gerais, Vitor is six months younger than the team's previous youngest player, Gavi. The Brazilian striker is highly-rated and is expected to reach lofty heights in his career.

Roque, who is predominantly a striker, can play on the left wing and is regarded as one of Brazil's newest talents. He has joined the Cules from the Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense, whereas he started his senior career with Cruzeiro. The 18-year-old has signed a long-term deal tying him to the Blaugrana until 2031.

Here are five interesting facts to know about Vitor Roque as he aims to dazzle Spanish football-

Roque to wear Messi's shirt at Barcelona

Vitor Roque has been handed the no. 19 shirt at Barcelona, which is worn by some of their biggest stars over the years. Sergio Aguero, Ferran Torres wore that same number, and if you recall it properly, Lionel Messi also used to hone the no. 19 during his early days at Barcelona. Numbers Pressure already!

A Brazil senior player looking to emulate Ronaldo Nazario

Vitor Roque made his debut for the Brazilian national team in March 2023 against Morocco. He played 25 minutes in a friendly, enough to make him the youngest player (18 years and 25 days) to make his international debut for the Selecao since 1994, when a certain Ronaldo Nazário made his debut (18 years and 17 days).

He will now be hoping to follow the footsteps of Ronaldo with Barcelona, although the greater Fenomeno joined Barcelona after playing at PSV for two seasons.

Real Madrid's Endrick is his best friend

Vitor Roque is friends with Endrick, another fellow Brazilian who is set to join Real Madrid soon.

"We talk all the time on social media," says Vitor. "He's an incredible guy, he's got a lot of potential. We're two young talents. He's a great player and also a great person. I hope we can have a great future together."

World Cup-winning coach Luiz Scolari admires Vitor

Former Athletico Paranaense and Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has spoken highly of Vitor Roque already. He won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and coached Vitor at Paranaense in 2022. And the manager has heaped praises on the Barcelona player.

"He (Vitor) has great potential to improve. At 17, he's experienced a Copa Libertadores final. He's been in situations where he's been the main player. He's a very centered, balanced and listens a lot to what we say," Scolari said.