Carlos Vinícius says Tottenham spell shaped his mentality

Carlos Vinícius says the harsh reality he experienced at Tottenham still shapes his mindset today, insisting the need to “prove yourself every two days” has been central to his resurgence in Brazil.

Now thriving at Grêmio with nine goals in nine games this year, the former Spurs and Fulham striker credits a mentality forged in North London for keeping him grounded amid his recent scoring run.

Vinícius has previously spoken about the influence of Harry Kane during his loan spell at Tottenham, but in a new interview with Globo Esporte he detailed just how lasting that impact has been.

“What makes us lose focus is letting ourselves get carried away by the moment,” he said. “In football, you have to prove yourself every two days. I celebrate, yes, I give myself 24 hours, but then I have to leave it behind. I picked that up from Kane at Spurs.”

Kane’s ability to score heavily yet approach the next fixture with the same intensity left a strong impression. For Vinícius, it became a daily reset button, an approach that now underpins his form in Brazil.

Vinícius’ time in the Premier League was mixed. He scored 10 goals in 22 appearances for Tottenham, a respectable return given the competition for places, but opportunities were limited with Kane firmly established as first choice.

At Fulham, his output dipped to eight goals in 48 matches between 2022 and 2024. By the time he left Europe last year, his trajectory appeared uncertain.

Since joining Grêmio in July as a free agent, however, the narrative has changed sharply. He has struck 21 goals in 23 appearances, finishing the 2025 Brazilian league season as the club’s top scorer with 12 goals in 14 matches. Momentum has continued into 2026.

Having followed similar return stories closely, the pattern often involves confidence and environment aligning. For Vinícius, both factors appear decisive.

The striker acknowledged that returning to Brazil after eight years in Europe has made a difference beyond tactics or fitness.

“When people embrace you off the pitch, things run well on the pitch because connections start to develop,” he said. “Coming back to my country makes it easier. The language, the culture.”

That sense of stability has allowed him to focus solely on performance rather than adaptation.

Vinícius’ contract with Grêmio runs until the end of 2026 and includes an automatic renewal clause for 2027 should he feature in the 2026 World Cup.

Eligible to represent either Brazil or Portugal, he admitted the prospect of international football is motivating.

“That would be top, to finish with a flourish!” he said when asked about a possible call-up.

“For me it’s very straightforward. The highest point for any footballer is defending your country. I have to focus 100 per cent on the club, because I know that will open that door.”

Vinícius will aim to maintain his scoring run as Grêmio push forward in the Brazilian campaign. Continued form could strengthen his case for international consideration ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about selection prospects. Sustained consistency over the coming months will likely be decisive.

Can Vinícius’ Brazilian revival translate into a World Cup call-up?