On Monday, Vinícius Jr., a winger for Real Madrid, named another star player as someone he thinks will one day become captain of the team.

The player in question? Diego Federico Valverde.

Valverde, a midfielder, is having a summer where his growing value to Real Madrid has been recognized once more.

As much comes in the form of a new jersey number for Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

After Blancos legend Toni Kroos retired, Valverde’s name was put forward as the player who should take over the German’s “8” shirt.

And as was already said, the Uruguayan international’s fame is only going to grow over the next few years, according to his friend Vinícius Jr.

Valverde enjoyed his most recent birthday on Monday, when he turned 26.

Like any good person, Vinícius used social media to wish his partner and friend well.

In the message, he also said that he personally supported Valverde becoming captain in the Spanish capital:

“Happy Birthday to our ship’s future captain!” Fede Valverde, best of luck always.