Brazilian Vinicius takes Spanish nationality

Brazil international Vinicius Junior has acquired Spanish nationality, his club Real Madrid announced on Monday, allowing the club to register another non-European Union player.

"Our Brazilian player Vinicius Junior took the oath of allegiance to the Spanish Constitution on Friday 2 September, so from that moment he also has Spanish nationality," said a Real Madrid statement.

Under Spanish Liga rules, there are limits on the number of non-EU players a club can register.

Vinicius, who is 22, joined Real Madrid in 2018 from Flamengo and become a key player. He scored the winner in last season's Champions League final. He has 14 Brazil caps.