Vinicius reportedly wants mega Real Madrid deal to match Kylian Mbappe and rival Cristiano Ronaldo: What does Real Madrid think about it?
For months, whispers have swirled around the Santiago Bernabeu about a potentially historic contract request from one of Real Madrid’s brightest stars. Negotiations began with optimism, cooled into a stalemate, and have now reached a point where no new talks are scheduled. On the surface, the player in question insists he wants to stay in Madrid. Beneath it, the situation is far more complex. That player is Vinicius Junior, and the Brazilian winger has reportedly made a bold demand: a salary matching Kylian Mbappe and similar to Cristiano Ronaldo in his best years in La Liga.
Vinicius, now 25 years old, has less than two years left on his current deal, which runs until 2027. Diario AS reports that he is not contemplating leaving the Spanish capital and still intends to sign a new deal, but for now, both parties are locked in silence.
Earlier this year, progress seemed imminent. In February, Vinicius even met with Saudi Pro League officials to discuss a jaw-dropping package reportedly worth $1 billion over the life of the deal, with a $327 million transfer fee attached. By March, however, reports suggested that he and Real Madrid had agreed terms to stay.
Since then, the tone has changed. Sources suggest Vinicius is now demanding $35 million per year — a figure only Ronaldo has ever reached at Madrid, and one that exceeds Mbappe’s estimated $22 million per season earnings.
Historic contract request
During the first round of negotiations, The Athletic described the Brazilian’s terms as a “historic contract”. The offer Madrid put forward, matching Mbappe’s wage, was flatly rejected by his camp. The player is also said to have asked for a renewal bonus — something Ronaldo never received — further straining talks.
Los Blancos, historically cautious with their wage bill, fear that agreeing to Vinicius’ terms could set a dangerous precedent. “Madrid need only look over to Barcelona to see the lasting damage that can be caused by a spiralling wage bill,” noted The Athletic.
Performance concerns cloud the picture
The contract standoff is not just about money. There are also doubts about Vinicius’ recent form. Reports claim he is currently “out of favor” at the Bernabeu. New manager Xabi Alonso was allegedly prepared to bench him for the Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain — only an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold kept him in the lineup.
Even then, the former Flamengo forward was shifted to the right wing, with Mbappe taking his favored left side and Gonzalo Garcia in the middle. This reshuffle left the Brazilian “disappointed”, according to Spanish media.
While Alonso is expected to start him once the 2025-26 La Liga season begins on August 19 against Osasuna, The Athletic claims the coach believes Vinicius “needs to improve” and may not be untouchable in the long term.