Vinícius Júnior was once so adored at the Santiago Bernabéu that Real Madrid refused to even consider selling him to Saudi Arabia. Now, after a season of stalled contract talks, shifting positions on the pitch and even the occasional boos from his own supporters, the 25-year-old faces the very real possibility of losing his untouchable status.
A year ago, he looked unstoppable. Fresh from a 2023-24 campaign where he lifted both the Champions League and La Liga, with 35 goal contributions in just 39 matches, Vinícius was at the peak of his powers. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé did not change how many fans saw him as they believed he should still own the left wing. Madrid’s board felt the same, swatting away huge offers from Saudi Arabia. The new season began with him tipped as a Ballon d’Or favourite.
But the 2024-25 campaign brought frustration. Missing out on the Ballon d’Or was a heavy blow, even though he won The Best FIFA award in December. Difficult negotiations over a new contract have dragged on for months, souring the mood and affecting performances. By the end of last season, when tricks failed to come off, whistles could be heard at the Bernabéu.
Talks began in January at the club’s Valdebebas training complex with senior Madrid officials meeting his father and two agents. Vinícius earns about €17 million net a year, with bonuses already triggered by achievements like The Best award. Madrid’s offer of €20 million was turned down, with his camp asking for around €30 million, close to Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic deal, including performance bonuses and a renewal bonus. His side argued that if Madrid’s unofficial salary cap of €20 million could not be broken, then players seeking higher pay would need to leave, as Mbappé did before collecting a signing-on fee.
In April, Spanish reports claimed a deal was close, with an announcement after La Liga’s end. Club sources suggested those reports were accurate, but Vinícius’s entourage was surprised and annoyed by them. Months later there is still no deal. Madrid remain cautious about wages and bonuses, and they want him to hit his peak again before committing.
New manager Xabi Alonso has tried to reset the team’s mentality, using the Club World Cup as a fresh start. He spoke warmly of their first meeting: “I didn’t know Vini, I had seen him a lot and everything I saw and heard I recognised in 10 seconds: the way he is, the way he communicates with people. He is a very passionate player. You have to be close to him, I like to have this kind of player. How we can use him in the best way and position is what we have to see now. What we have felt these days is that he has a very good heart.”
But with only one goal and one assist in five US tour matches, both in a standout game against Salzburg, Alonso had planned to bench him for the Club World Cup semi-final against PSG. An injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold forced a change, moving Vinícius to the right wing, with Gonzalo Garcia up front and Mbappé on the left. It was a decision that left the Brazilian disappointed after years of dominating from the left.
Alonso’s staff expect him and Mbappé to both be vital this season, with tactical flexibility dictating changes. But there is a quiet acknowledgement that unless Vinícius improves, his once-untouchable place could slip away, something the squad, the fans and even the club might soon accept.
For football fans dreaming of a Real Madrid away day, this unfolding drama adds another layer of intrigue to the Bernabéu experience. The stage is set for either redemption or a very public fall from grace.
