A new chapter of tension has opened at Real Madrid, with Vinicius Jr. at the center of a much-talked-about negotiation. The Brazilian forward, one of the team’s undisputed stars, has put an unexpected demand on the table to renew his contract, which expires in 2027: he wants a salary higher than that of Kylian Mbappé, the club’s star signing in the summer of 2024. The response from president Florentino Pérez, known for his firmness on financial matters, has stunned fans and analysts alike, marking a turning point in talks with the young star.

Vinicius Jr., at just 25 years old, has established himself as a key player in Real Madrid’s system. His speed, dribbling, and ability to turn games around have made him one of the best wingers in the world, with memorable performances in La Liga and the Champions League. After losing the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Rodri Hernández, the Brazilian seems determined to reaffirm his value within the club, not only on a sporting level but also financially. According to sources close to the negotiations, Vinicius and his entourage have requested a net salary of €30 million per season, a figure that would exceed the €24 million net salary that Mbappé reportedly receives, including his signing bonus. This request not only seeks to equal the Frenchman’s status but also to position Vinicius as the highest-paid player in the squad, a move that reflects his perception of being the leader of Madrid’s sporting project.

The context of this demand is no small matter. Mbappé’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu generated a media and sporting stir, but also internal tensions over the salary scale. Vinicius currently earns around €15 million net per season, an amount that places him among the highest-paid players on the team, but below Mbappé and David Alaba. The Brazilian argues that his performance in recent seasons, with decisive goals and a consistent impact on Madrid’s titles, justifies his request. Furthermore, exorbitant offers from Saudi Arabia, which reportedly reached €350 million annually, have strengthened his negotiating position. Although Vinicius has reiterated his desire to stay at Madrid, these external proposals have added pressure to the talks.

Florentino Pérez’s response, however, has been an unexpected twist. According to information published by MARCA, the Real Madrid president has deemed Vinicius’s request “unacceptable” and has set a salary cap of €20 million net per season, a figure the club is unwilling to exceed for any player, including Mbappé. Pérez, known for his ability to maintain financial balance, has informed the Brazilian’s entourage that he will not break the club’s salary structure, even if it means pausing negotiations. Even more surprisingly, sources close to the club suggest that Pérez would be willing to listen to offers for Vinicius if the demands do not fit with Madrid’s policy, a stance that has caused an uproar among fans.

This ultimatum has sparked speculation about Vinicius’s future. While some outlets, such as The Athletic, claim the Brazilian would be willing to wait until 2027 to leave for free if his demands aren’t met, others, such as Cadena SER, indicate that an agreement is still possible, but with a salary closer to 20 million euros net. The relationship between Vinicius and Mbappé, which has been solid on the field, is also affected by these off-field tensions, with rumors of jealousy and egos amplified on social media.

Real Madrid is at a crossroads. Losing Vinicius would be a devastating blow, but giving in to his demands could have a domino effect on the dressing room, especially with players like Jude Bellingham also seeking a salary commensurate with his impact. Florentino Pérez, with his history of decisive decisions with players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, seems willing to maintain his position. Meanwhile, the Real Madrid fans are holding their breath, aware that the outcome of this negotiation could define the club’s course for years to come.