Vinicius Jr Demands Real Madrid Contract That Rivals Cristiano Ronaldo's Legendary Deal
Vinicius Junior allegedly requested a compensation package matching the record-breaking wages Real Madrid previously paid Cristiano Ronaldo during his prime years, amid increasingly strained contract renewal discussions.
The Brazilian winger currently holds an agreement with the Spanish club running through 2027. Vinicius disclosed that he and the organization were engaged in ongoing talks regarding updated terms in February, though recent Spanish media reports suggest negotiations have reached an impasse.
Madrid are believed to be cautious about offering Vinicius compensation that could establish a benchmark for other squad members to seek similarly astronomical figures. Real need only examine their La Liga competitors Barcelona to witness the enduring consequences of an uncontrolled salary structure.
During initial renewal discussions at year's end, Vinicius's agents allegedly requested what The Athletic characterized as a "landmark agreement".
The substantial yearly wage request, believed to approach €30 million ($35 million), has never been granted to any Real Madrid player except Cristiano Ronaldo. However, even the iconic Portuguese star never received the "extension bonus" that Vinicius has purportedly sought.
Madrid are understood to maintain an annual wage ceiling of €20 million. This figure reportedly represents Kylian Mbappé's earnings as the team's highest-paid player and was allegedly the amount the club initially proposed to Vinicius before encountering his elevated demands.
The organization's hesitation to meet such expenditure goes beyond historical precedent. There are believed to be genuine worries regarding the recent form of the Brazilian star, who has fallen "out of favor" at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Incoming coach Xabi Alonso was allegedly prepared to bench Vinicius for the Club World Cup semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain this summer until Trent Alexander-Arnold sustained an injury before the match. The 25-year-old still felt "frustrated" as he was required to play on the right flank with Mbappé positioned left and Gonzalo García centrally.
Madrid's new manager is unlikely to keep Vinicius as a substitute when the 2025–26 season commences, but The Athletic reports that Alonso feels his unpredictable winger "requires development" and might soon lose his untouchable status.
Vinicius will have an opportunity to demonstrate his value when Real Madrid kick off their La Liga season against Osasuna on Aug. 19.