Vinícius Tobias Flourishing at Shakhtar Donetsk Following Roundabout Journey

"I was that young player living out the dream of joining Shakhtar, getting ready for my debut — and then unfortunately, war broke out and everything changed." These are the words of 22-year-old Vinícius Tobias, reflecting on a professional journey that would challenge anyone's determination. The Brazilian is now back with Shakhtar, and judging by his performances this season, the lengthy detour has proven worthwhile.

The right-back has registered two goals and three assists across 32 matches under manager Arda Turan during the current campaign — an improvement over the six assists in 26 appearances he tallied during his first full Shakhtar season last year. Signed from Internacional for €6 million as a 17-year-old without any senior experience, Tobias is finally justifying a transfer that seemed risky initially but appears astute in hindsight.

Real Madrid stint provided valuable development

When Russia's military invasion of Ukraine compelled Shakhtar's international players to seek temporary clubs in early 2022, Tobias landed at Real Madrid Castilla. As emergency destinations go, it wasn't half bad. He remained there for three seasons, with his 2022-23 campaign under manager Raúl González proving particularly impressive — five assists in 41 matches while helping Castilla advance to the promotion playoff final. He also earned a senior team appearance, playing 88 minutes in a Copa del Rey victory against Arandina in January 2024.

Real Madrid possessed a €15 million buy option. They chose not to exercise it. Tobias signed a new deal with Shakhtar running through 2029 and returned to Ukraine to finally begin the career he'd committed to three years prior.

Understanding Shakhtar's current circumstances is important. The club plays their Champions League and Conference League home fixtures in Kraków, Poland, whilst domestic matches take place in Lviv — roughly 17 hours by road from their namesake city of Donetsk. They secured third place in the Ukrainian Premier League last season. Currently, they're level on 51 points with LNZ Cherkasy at the summit, holding a match in hand. The reconstruction is genuine, and Tobias features prominently in those plans.

Competition for starting role remains fierce

There's one important qualification: Tobias hasn't completely claimed the right-back position from Yukhym Konoplia. He's competing rather than commanding. His diplomatic response when questioned about the situation — "sometimes I'm pleased that he plays too, he's pleased when I play" — masks the competitive reality that Konoplia remains a legitimate contender. Shakhtar boasts quality depth at the position, which simultaneously reflects well on their squad strength and represents an obstacle Tobias must still overcome.

In Conference League action, Shakhtar placed sixth in the league stage before eliminating Lech Poznań. Defeat AZ Alkmaar and they'll face either Crystal Palace or Fiorentina in the semi-finals. A prolonged European campaign — featuring meaningful knockout football before neutral supporters in Poland — would significantly boost Tobias's reputation, and Shakhtar's chances of advancing appear favourable against an AZ squad that's struggled for consistency in European matches this season.

His backstory — growing up in a São Paulo favela, departing home at age 12, collapsing at training from malnutrition — reads like a motivational tale. However, what truly matters now is whether he can secure regular starting minutes at a club that has developed 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 well aware.

"I've come back to Shakhtar now, and I'm incredibly happy to return and pursue this dream," he stated. Two goals, three assists, 32 matches into the season — the dream is very much alive.