Real Madrid may be considering a future without Vinicius Jr., as internal tensions rise over the Brazilian forward’s request to earn on par with new signing Kylian Mbappé.
Despite a staggering €1 billion release clause inserted in his contract, reports from Mundo Deportivo suggest the Spanish giants are now open to selling the 24-year-old should a substantial offer land on their table.
Vinicius, whose current deal runs until June 30, 2027, earns around €15 million net per season. However, the winger is reportedly pushing for an improved package to match that of Mbappé, who will be earning a reported €23 million net annually including a €40 million signing bonus spread across five years.
Sources close to the club say Vinicius believes he has proven himself worthy of financial parity with the French superstar.
But this belief may not be shared by the club’s top brass. Club president Florentino Pérez and general manager José Ángel Sánchez are reportedly resisting any salary negotiations, at least for now.
Internally, the board views Vinicius’s demand for a 50% raise as excessive, particularly in light of his recent performances.
In the just-concluded 2024–25 season, Vinicius found the net 22 times in 58 appearances across all competitions.
While still respectable, his output falls short when stacked against Mbappé’s explosive debut season, in which the Frenchman scored 44 goals and claimed the European Golden Boot.
With Mbappé also delivering goals in every competition from LaLiga to the Champions League, comparisons within the squad have grown inevitable and increasingly uncomfortable.
Although Vinicius was previously considered a cornerstone of Madrid’s future, the dynamics are shifting.
Club insiders suggest that while Real Madrid do not expect any team to trigger the astronomical €1 billion clause, they would entertain serious offers in the right range.
It marks a notable change in tone from the club’s previous stance, where the Brazilian was labeled “untouchable.”
As Real Madrid manage one of the most star-studded dressing rooms in world football, salary equilibrium and performance expectations are under scrutiny.
The club faces the difficult task of rewarding loyalty while upholding competitive standards. For now, Vinicius’s future remains uncertain tied to not only his form on the pitch but also his growing value in a squad that’s evolving around a new megastar.
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