Sheffield United Star Relishing Chance to Playing at Wembley | OneFootball

Sheffield United defensive midfielder Vinicius Souza cannot wait to take the pitch at Wembley Stadium for the Championship play-off final in just over a week’s time.

The 25-year-old has well and truly turned his Blades career around after a very difficult debut campaign for the club in the Premier League last season. The Brazilian, like every United player, looked nowhere near good enough in the top-flight. However, in his second term in English football, albeit being in the Championship, he’s looked superb.

The second leg against Bristol City really epitomised the rebuilding job Chris Wilder has done over the last several months; United went from a team getting spanked week in and week out in the Premier League. And he’s managed to flip that switch and get the Blades back into a positive mindset.

Players like Souza, Jack Robinson, Anel Ahmedhodzic and Gustavo Hamer’s attitude have especially been fantastic because last term must’ve been absolutely demoralising to lose every week. A year on, the Blades have gone all campaign winning most weeks even in spite of injury troubles.

Unitedites have gone from singing the “we’re 4-0 down” version of the Vini Souza chant, which was almost a weekly occurrence last season, to singing “we’re 6-0 up”, on Monday evening against Bristol City. And I think that shows just how good the transformation of the entire football club has been over the last 12 months.

Vinicius Souza Reflects on His Second Season With Sheffield United

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 08: Vinicius Souza of Sheffield United is challenged by Brad Potts of Preston North End during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Preston North End FC at Bramall Lane on March 08, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Speaking on getting to the Championship play-off final, Souza said to SUTV: “It’s amazing, it’s amazing, it’s an amazing night I think for everybody to be here at Bramall Lane. I’m so happy. I think everyone looks forward to playing at Wembley. Amazing pitch, amazing atmosphere, I know all Blades will be there so I’m looking forward to playing at Wembley.”

The Brazilian reflected on the polar opposite campaigns he’s had at S2: “Last season was tough but for me this season was crazy. So many injuries, so many games, too many young players. I think we enjoyed the season but it’s tough but now I have the chance to play at Wembley. I look forward to that.”

Despite not scoring this season and only racking up one assist, Souza has been one of the most influential players in the entire division due to his superb ability to sweep up danger, protecting his back line as well as driving the Blades forward in midfield. And he’ll have to put in another top performance just one more time and hopefully he will become a Premier League player again come May 24th.