Vinicius Demands Mbappe-Level Pay as Madrid Contract Talks Stall

Vinicius Junior’s future at Real Madrid is again under scrutiny in Spain, with a report in Sport saying the Brazilian forward is refusing to soften his stance in negotiations over a contract extension. Real fear he could simply run down his deal and leave as a free agent in summer 2027.

According to the report, Vinicius wants to become the club’s highest-paid player, on a salary equal to or greater than Kylian Mbappe’s. If Madrid do not meet those demands, he is not prepared to extend his current contract, which expires in 2027, and would even be willing to leave on a free transfer to a club that accepts his financial terms.

Club president Florentino Perez addressed the issue during his election campaign. “Will Vinicius renew his contract? I do not know,” he said. “If you ask me, I hope he stays. He is one of the best players in the world. If he does not want to be at Real Madrid and wants to sign for another club, he will be free to do so. I am not going to force him. Money will not be the most important thing, it never has been.”

Perez also said there is still time to find an agreement. “I would like him to stay here forever. He helped us win the last two Champions League titles and is very closely identified with the club.” If there is no change, Vinicius will be able to negotiate freely with any club from January 2027. He will turn 26 during the World Cup, and is set to begin his ninth season at Real Madrid. So far, he has made 375 appearances, scoring 128 goals and adding 98 assists.