Tensions Escalate: Vinicius Jr’s Push for Equal Pay at Real Madrid Fuels Departure Speculation
In the high-stakes world of elite football, contract talks can quickly turn into dramatic showdowns. Vinicius Jr is at the center of a brewing storm at Real Madrid, where his insistence on matching Kylian Mbappé‘s compensation package has led to stalled negotiations and whispers of a possible exit. As the Brazilian forward seeks parity in earnings, the club stands firm, highlighting performance concerns and financial prudence in this unfolding saga.
- Vinícius Junior is pushing for a salary boost
- Real Madrid balks at equaling Mbappe’s compensation
- His existing agreement extends to 2027
Vinicius Jr’s Salary Standoff with Real Madrid
At present, the talented Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior pulls in a net salary of €15 million (£13m/$17m) each season while playing for Real Madrid. Insights from Mundo Deportivo reveal that he is holding out for compensation on par with that of Kylian Mbappe before committing to any fresh terms.
Breaking Down the Pay Disparity
Although Mbappe’s base pay sits at €15m net annually, when you factor in his substantial €8m yearly signing incentive, the overall package balloons to €23m per season. Real Madrid has drawn a line in the sand, unwilling to extend a similar deal to Vinicius Jr, as it would represent nearly a 50% jump from his current earnings.
Assessing Vinicius Jr’s Form and Real Madrid’s Reluctance
During the 2024-25 season, the 25-year-old forward’s output took a noticeable dip, managing just 22 goals over 58 appearances in various tournaments. This fluctuation in his contributions has become a key reason behind the club’s hesitation to approve such a significant salary escalation. Recent updates as of mid-2025 show Vinicius Jr rebounding slightly with impressive displays in La Liga, but inconsistencies persist, reminiscent of how fluctuating form affected negotiations for stars like Neymar in past scenarios.
Real Madrid’s Backup Plans: Targeting a New Star Striker
De acuerdo a SER, Real Madrid’s leader Florentino Perez has already pinpointed a potential successor should Vinicius Jr choose to leave the Bernabeu. The top target is Manchester City‘s prolific scorer Erling Haaland, with Perez envisioning a dynamic duo of the Norwegian powerhouse alongside Mbappe to bolster the attack.
