Vinicius Tobias Finding His Footing at Shakhtar Donetsk Following Real Madrid Spell

At 22 years old, Brazilian defender Vinicius Tobias is finally living the dream he signed up for when he joined Shakhtar Donetsk as a teenager. "I was that kid fulfilling the dream of arriving at Shakhtar, being able to make my debut — and unfortunately, the war began and it didn't come to pass," Tobias reflected on a journey that would challenge anyone's determination.

The right-back has recorded two goals and three assists across 32 matches under manager Arda Turan this season — an improvement on the six assists in 26 appearances from his inaugural full campaign with the Ukrainian club last year. Signed from Brazilian side Internacional for €6 million at just 17 without any senior experience, Tobias is now justifying a transfer that seemed risky at the time but appears astute in hindsight.

Real Madrid loan proved invaluable

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 forced Shakhtar's international players to seek temporary clubs, with Tobias landing at Real Madrid Castilla. The three-year stint in Spain's capital proved formative, particularly during the 2022-23 season under manager Raúl González, where he registered five assists in 41 matches and helped Castilla advance to the promotion playoff final. He also earned senior team minutes — featuring for 88 minutes in a Copa del Rey match against Arandina in January 2024.

Despite Real Madrid possessing a €15 million buy option, they chose not to exercise it. Tobias subsequently signed a contract extension with Shakhtar running through 2029 and returned to Ukraine to commence the career he'd originally envisioned three years prior.

Shakhtar's current circumstances add important perspective. The club plays Champions League and Conference League home fixtures in Kraków, Poland, while domestic matches take place in Lviv — located 17 hours by car from their namesake city of Donetsk. After finishing third in the Ukrainian Premier League last season, they currently share top spot with LNZ Cherkasy on 51 points, holding a match in hand. The club's resurgence is tangible, with Tobias playing a meaningful role.

Competition for starting role remains fierce

One important detail: Tobias hasn't completely secured the right-back position from Yukhym Konoplia. He's competing for playing time rather than dominating it. When questioned about the situation, his response was diplomatic — "sometimes I'm happy that he plays too, he's happy when I play" — though the reality is that Konoplia remains a genuine competitor. Shakhtar's depth at the position reflects well on their roster quality but presents an ongoing challenge for Tobias.

In Conference League action, Shakhtar secured sixth place in the league phase before eliminating Lech Poznań. A victory over AZ Alkmaar would set up a semifinal clash with either Crystal Palace or Fiorentina. A prolonged European campaign — featuring significant knockout stage football before neutral supporters in Poland — could significantly boost Tobias's reputation, and Shakhtar appear favourably positioned against an AZ squad that's struggled for consistency in European matches this season.

His background — growing up in a São Paulo favela, leaving home at 12, collapsing at training from hunger — provides compelling narrative material. However, what truly counts now is whether he can secure a guaranteed starting role at a club that's developed Brazilian talents like Fred, Fernandinho, and Douglas Costa, part of 46 Brazilians who've collectively netted nearly 1,000 goals in Ukrainian football. That's the benchmark he's measured against.

"I've returned to Shakhtar now, and I'm very happy to be back and continue this dream," Tobias stated. With two goals, three assists, and 32 appearances this season — his dream is very much alive.