Marquês of Sapucaí witnessed a moment of great media and cultural repercussion during the most recent technical rehearsal of Acadêmicos of Grande Rio. The digital influencer and businesswoman Virginia Fonseca, confirmed as one of the club’s muses for the 2026 Carnaval, attracted all eyes not only for her scenic presence, but for a specific detail in her outfit that evoked historical memories of the Rio festivities. In a direct and bold tribute, Virginia wore a collar studded with the name of the player Vinicius Junior, star of Real Madrid and Seleção Brasileira, replicating the controversial aesthetic immortalized by Luma from
The accessory, which became the center of attention on the avenue, created an “all black” look with strategic cuts, reminiscent of the sensuality and glamor characteristic of the great muses who marked the era of Sambódromo. The choice of Virginia was not random; it was a modern reinterpretation of one of the most talked about episodes in the history of Carnaval, adapting the context to the era of digital celebrities and global connections between entertainment and high-performance sport. The influencer’s presence in the technical rehearsal served to consolidate her position within the school of Duque of Caxias, known for embracing personalities with strong popular appeal.
The crowd present in the stands and the photographers covering the event recorded the moment the businesswoman stepped onto the avenue, demonstrating that her preparation for the official parade remains intense. The name of Vini Jr. shining around his neck generated immediate debates on social media, dividing opinions between those who saw the act as a celebration of friendship and Brazilian talent abroad, and others who analyzed the historical reference from the perspective of empowerment and aesthetic freedom in the carnival environment.
The visual impact was amplified by the posture of Virginia, who interacted with the public and demonstrated progress in samba no pé, the result of a dedicated training routine. Grande Rio, which is looking for another title for its gallery, is betting on the media strength of its new muse to engage not only the local community, but also the millions of followers who follow the influencer’s every step, transforming the technical rehearsal into an event of international reach.
Historical recovery and the new narrative
To understand the magnitude of Virginia Fonseca’s gesture, it is necessary to revisit Carnaval from 1998. On Naquela occasion, the model and actress Luma from The image went around the world and became an icon of Brazilian pop culture, generating heated discussions about feminism, submission and freedom of artistic expression. By bringing this element back in 2026, Virginia reframes the prop within a new social context.
Different from the original connotation, which referred to a marital relationship, the version presented by the new muse of Grande Rio points to admiration and partnership between prominent public figures. Replacing a spouse’s name with that of a sports idol changes the narrative of the accessory, transforming it into a symbol of support and recognition of the success of Vini Jr., who faces constant challenges and positions himself as an active voice against racism in European football.
The aesthetic choice also demonstrates the Virginia team’s knowledge of the history of Carnaval. By visually citing Luma from Oliveira, the influencer pays respect to the women who paved the way for contemporary media figures to occupy prominent spaces in samba schools. It is a movement that unites the tradition of the great divas of the avenue with the instant and viral language of social networks, creating a bridge between generations of revelers.
The connection between football and samba
The tribute to Vinicius Junior on the neck of Virginia Fonseca further strengthens the historical ties between football and Rio’s Carnaval. Ambos are cultural manifestations that project the image of Brasil abroad and share popular passion. Vini Jr., currently one of the most influential athletes in the world, has a close relationship with several Brazilian celebrities and is often seen at cultural events when his schedule at Real Madrid allows it.
Having his name printed in one of the most popular rehearsals of the pre-carnival season reinforces the player’s status as an icon that transcends the four lines. Para to The marketing strategy, intentional or spontaneous, worked perfectly to generate “buzz”.
Furthermore, Virginia’s attitude reflects a tendency for celebrities to use Carnaval’s visibility to send messages or pay tribute. In a year where expectations for the Copa of the Mundo of 2026 are already beginning to grow, exalting the main name of the Seleção Brasileira on the biggest samba stage is an act of cultural patriotism that resonates positively with the public, creating an atmosphere of anticipated national celebration.
Physical preparation and commitment to the community
Behind the shine and visual controversy, there is an exhaustive preparation routine. Virginia Fonseca has been sharing with his followers the behind-the-scenes of his journey towards the official parade. The routine includes samba classes with experienced dancers, physical conditioning training to support the weight of the costume and the length of the avenue, as well as visits to the school shed to monitor the development of the allegories and interact with the community of Duque of Caxias.
A muse’s commitment goes beyond being present on the day of the parade. Participation in technical tests, such as the one that took place this weekend, is essential for getting along with the battery and testing physical resistance. Virginia’s performance was positively evaluated by carnival critics, who noted her effort to honor the Grande Rio pavilion, dispelling common criticisms that influencers occupy the space just for digital fame.
The businesswoman has treated Carnaval as a priority professional project in her career. The dedication to learning the fundamentals of samba and the history of the group demonstrates respect for popular culture. The use of the collar, in this scenario, works as the “icing on the cake” of an image construction that mixes respect for tradition with the boldness necessary to stand out in an environment as competitive as the Grupo Especial of the Rio of the Janeiro.
The digital phenomenon on the samba catwalk
The presence of Virginia Fonseca in Grande Rio symbolizes the definitive consolidation of the digital era in Carnaval. With tens of millions of followers, each post, look or gesture from the influencer reaches viewing figures that surpass the audience of many traditional television programs. Isso transforms the avenue into a hybrid stage, where the show takes place simultaneously on the asphalt and on smartphone screens around the world.
For samba schools, having names with this engagement potential is vital for financial sustainability and audience renewal. The impact of the accessory named Vini Jr. proves how a single detail can dominate online conversations for days, keeping the club in the spotlight long before the official parade. Grande Rio, which historically bets on stellar casts, understood that the game of influence has changed and adapted to accommodate internet phenomena.
Virginia, in turn, uses the Carnaval platform to expand her personal brand beyond social networks, inserting herself into Brazilian mass culture in a face-to-face and tangible way. Luma’s recreation of Luma’s collar isn’t just a fantasy; it’s a declaration that she understands the codes of the show and is willing to play with them, ensuring that her name — and now that of Vini Jr. — remain engraved in the memory of the Carnaval of 2026.
