Negotiations between Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid over a new contract have reportedly hit a tense stalemate, and money lies at the heart of it.
According to reports from Spain, the Brazilian star has asked for a salary package on par with the record-breaking wages Cristiano Ronaldo earned at the height of his powers in Madrid. Such a request would mark uncharted territory for the club in the modern era.
Vinicius requests for ‘historic’ salary package
Vinícius, whose current deal runs until 2027, first hinted back in February that talks were underway and that discussions with the club were “open.”
But those conversations have since cooled. According to Sports Illustrated, sources claim Madrid are cautious about agreeing to a deal that could set a dangerous precedent, one where other players begin demanding similarly astronomical sums.
The club only needs to look across to Barcelona to see the financial strain that can come from an inflated wage bill.
Breaking down Vinicius’ Ronaldo-like salary demands
And Vinícius’s reported demands are nothing short of monumental: a salary in the region of €30 million ($35 million) per year — a figure only Ronaldo has commanded in the club’s history.
On top of that, the 24-year-old is said to be seeking a “renewal bonus” that even the Portuguese legend never received.
Real Madrid’s reported salary ceiling currently sits around €20 million per year, the same figure Kylian Mbappé is believed to be earning as the team’s highest-paid player.
It’s understood that this is what the club offered Vinícius, only for the proposal to be rejected in favour of his record-setting terms.
Why Real Madrid are hesitant to meet Vinicius’ demands?
For Madrid, the hesitation isn’t purely about numbers. There are whispers about his recent form, with suggestions that he has fallen “out of favor” at the Santiago Bernabéu.
While incoming coach Xabi Alonso is unlikely to leave a player of his caliber on the bench when the 2025–26 season kicks off, reports suggest Alonso feels Vinícius “needs to improve” and might soon lose his untouchable status.
The Brazilian will have the perfect stage to respond when Real Madrid open their La Liga campaign against Osasuna on August 19.
Whether his future in white will be decided by then remains the question hanging in the air.