Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid's reported target, makes professional debut at 16

Vinicius Junior, dubbed "the new Neymar," was introduced to Brazilian football at long last.

On Saturday, Vinicius, for whom Real Madrid will reportedly spend €45 million to sign, made his professional debut at only 16 years old, taking the pitch as a substitute in the 82nd minute of Flamengo's 1-1 draw versus Atletico Mineiro in the Brasileirao Serie A. The teenage forward, who replaced Orlando Berrio, was applauded by supporters at the Maracana but exhibited nervousness and failed to make an impact on the game in the 12 minutes he played.

Not even Neymar or Gabriel Jesus made their professional debuts at 16 years of age.

"I'm very happy for the recognition from the fans," Vinicius said after the final whistle, according to Globo Esporte. "Today I could debut. I want to thank Ze Roberto and the committee for giving me this opportunity. The group welcomed me very well. May it be a year of much victory, many titles.

"I asked for his (Robinho's) shirt beforehand. He said he'd give it to me after the interview. He's my idol since childhood and today I was able to play against him."

According to Globo Esporte's Eduardo Peixoto, Vinicius was given the okay by a doctor who Real Madrid sent to Rio de Janeiro, but clauses of the teenager's transfer to Los Blancos remain undefined. Flamengo will apparently put pen to paper on an "obligation to sell" the Brazilian youngster to Real Madrid for €45 million, and the player will renew his contract with the Rubro-Negro until 2022. The "obligation to sell" will allegedly take effect in 2018, when Vinicius will be 18 years old, and there's a chance he'll remain in Brazil until 2019, on loan from the Spanish club.