This conspiracy theory has become a talking point in the Spanish press: 'Vinicius Junior was killed after the World Cup and replaced by a body double'

Real Madrid's Brazilian footballer Vinicius Junior is in the spotlight, not for his performance on the pitch or transfer news this time, but for an extraordinary claim circulating on social media.

According to reports in the Spanish press, some social media users have alleged that Vinicius Junior was killed after the World Cup and that a "body double" who resembles him has been playing in his place at Real Madrid.

In posts spreading across Brazil-based social media accounts and internet forums, images of the footballer from different periods were compared. Users bringing the claim to the fore commented that "it is not the same person," citing changes in his facial features and general appearance as evidence.

While the posts in question reached large audiences in a short time, the Spanish sports newspaper Marca also examined the claim. The information reported stands out as a conspiracy theory spreading on social media.

As Vinicius Junior continues to be one of the most talked-about players for Real Madrid and the Brazilian National Team, this claim has once again demonstrated how quickly social media-driven debates can spread in the football agenda.