Vinicius Junior Surges Toward Cristiano Ronaldo's Legendary Real Madrid Milestone
Despite Real Madrid's defensive struggles, fielding a team without five key defenders and regular keeper Thibaut Courtois during Wednesday's match in Greece, Los Blancos found their attacking rhythm to overcome Olympiacos in Champions League action.
Kylian Mbappé's spectacular four-goal performance dominated the spotlight, making him only the fourth player in Real Madrid's history to net four goals in a single European Cup/Champions League fixture. The French striker now stands alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferenc Puskás, and Alfredo Di Stefano in this exclusive club.
However, Vinicius Junior also delivered an impressive display with two assists, despite facing criticism this season for his apparent frustration and reported tensions with Xabi Alonso. Sources suggest the Brazilian is hesitant to renew his contract given the current circumstances, though a friendly exchange between the pair was captured on camera recently.
These two assists brought Vinicius Jr's Champions League tally for Real Madrid to 26 and 27 respectively. The 2024 Ballon d'Or second-place finisher now shares the second position on the club's European competition all-time assists list, equaling Karim Benzema's record of 27. Ronaldo maintains the top spot with 31 assists.
Real Madrid's Leading Champions League Assist Makers
Player | Period at Real Madrid | Champions League Assists for Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
1. Cristiano Ronaldo | 2009–18 | 31 |
2= Vinicius Junior | 2018–Present | 27 |
2= Karim Benzema | 2009–23 | 27 |
4. Marcelo | 2007–22 | 24 |
With two assists already this season, Vinicius Jr previously recorded seven Champions League assists during the 2021–22 season alone, suggesting he could potentially surpass Ronaldo's record before the 2025–26 campaign concludes. Nevertheless, questions surrounding the Brazilian's long-term future at the club continue to grow.
Could Vinicius Junior's Real Madrid Chapter Be Ending?
The previously mentioned contract extension that remains unsigned will enter its final 18 months shortly. Following the January transfer period, the situation will rapidly reach a critical point requiring a definitive resolution.
Should Real Madrid reach next summer without securing a contract extension, the club faces significant risk of losing one of football's biggest stars as a free agent in 2027. This predicament might force an unwilling sale, though Vinicius Jr's desire for equal treatment to Mbappé creates limited options should he choose to depart.
Only a handful of clubs worldwide possess the financial resources for the reported demands—potentially reaching €30 million ($34.8 million) per year—likely restricting his European options to Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City.
However, PSG has avoided high-profile signings since Mbappé's 2024 departure, coinciding with their improved Champions League performance, while Vinicius Jr may struggle to adapt to the Premier League's increasingly physical nature in recent times.
Saudi Arabia presents a financially attractive alternative but requires significant compromises regarding competitive standards and global visibility.