Vinicius Junior was the hero as Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final in Paris.

The 21-year-old scored the only goal of the game in the 59th-minute to hand Real Madrid their 14th European Cup victory.

It capped off a sensational season for the young Brazilian.

That Champions League final strike was his 22nd goal of the season in all competitions - he only managed six the previous campaign.

While Karim Benzema has got the majority of the headlines this season, it has been a real breakthrough season for Vinicius.

Reports have since emerged suggesting the forward is now set to sign a new five-year contract at the Bernabeu worth £170,000-per-week.

You can't say it's not deserved.

Vinicius has now established himself as one of the most exciting youngsters and has made world football sit up and take notice of him.

He really is a joy to watch with his speed and directness.

Even Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had to show his respect for Vinicius in the heat of the battle during the Champions League final.

During a break in play, Vinicius wandered towards the touchline, gave a little smile and wink towards Klopp before receiving a little hand clap from the Liverpool manager.

Vinicius Junior winks at Jurgen Klopp

It was a lovely moment during a tense final.

Little did Klopp know, however, that Vinicius would be celebrating putting Real Madrid ahead just seconds later.

The camera remained on Vinicius as he joined Real Madrid's attack as Fede Valverde's cross-cum-shot landed at his feet at the back post. He kept his nerve to roll the ball into the empty net to give Carlo Ancelotti's side the lead - a lead they preserved to win the Champions League.

VIDEO: Vinicius scores seconds after exchange with Klopp

Klopp must be wishing he had maybe distracted Vinicius for a little bit longer!

While it was an innocent exchange and purely coincidental that it took place seconds before the goal, fans on social media found the funny side of it.

Check out the best reaction:

Fans react to Vinicius and Klopp exchange
Fans react to Vinicius and Klopp exchange
Fans react to Vinicius and Klopp exchange
Fans react to Vinicius and Klopp exchange
Fans react to Vinicius and Klopp exchange

After the match, Vinicius understandably got plenty of plaudits. And compatriot and PSG star Neymar dubbed him 'the best player in the world' ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Benzema.

"Mbappe had a great season, Benzema too. But from what I've seen, Vinicus Junior is the best player in the world," Neymar said in an interview with TNT Sports Brazil.

Some praise, that.

Liverpool QUIZ: How much do you remember from the 2021/22 season?