Vinicius Junior is one of the most electrifying players in world football. His flair, speed, and ability to glide past defenders make him a joy to watch. But lately, his brilliance on the pitch hasn’t been the main talking point—and that should worry Real Madrid fans.
Let’s be clear: the abuse Vinicius has faced—especially racist taunts—is unacceptable and has no place in football. Fans and even some players have unfairly targeted him, and that deserves outright condemnation. But while clashes with rival fans are disturbing, they aren’t the biggest concern for Madridistas right now.
The real issue? His behavior on the pitch and the behind-the-scenes drama with his entourage. Reports suggest they’re using the idea of a departure from the Santiago Bernabeu as leverage in contract negotiations.
It’s a sharp contrast from October last year when Vinicius declared (quoted by ESPN), “I want to stay here forever and contribute as much as possible to this team, which has given me everything.” But fast forward to now, and his agents have rejected Real Madrid’s first contract renewal offer.
Here’s the kicker—Vinicius wasn’t even pushing for negotiations. It was Real Madrid, eager to secure his future, offering him a deal worth €15 million per year—the same as Kylian Mbappe. So why the rejection? Was his promise to stay forever just talk?
Probably not. But here’s where it gets interesting.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly prepared to offer Vinicius a jaw-dropping €1 billion contract over five years. Compare that to Madrid’s €75 million over the same period.
🚨 Real Madrid has opened negotiations with Vinícius Júnior for a new deal, but the player’s camp has rejected the first offer. Will they reach an agreement? 🤔⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Fr9LmM5cdP
— 365Scores (@365Scores) February 7, 2025
It’s hard to ignore those numbers.
Money could be the deciding factor. Real Madrid won’t meet those astronomical Saudi figures, and Vinicius knows that. And with Florentino Perez at the helm—a president known for his ruthless business decisions—if Vini pushes too hard, Perez won’t hesitate to let him go. It would be heartbreaking for fans, but the club won’t lose sleep over it.
As this contract saga drags on, Vinicius continues to leave Madrid fans uneasy. He’ll likely sign an extension, but the power plays and behind-the-scenes negotiations are casting a shadow over his future at the Bernabeu.
Is Vinicius’ behavior truly a problem?
Feeling upset when rival fans racially abuse you isn’t just understandable—it’s completely justified. But letting the boos and jeers from the stands get into your head? That’s where the real problem starts.
No one’s saying Vinicius needs to adopt a Cristiano Ronaldo mentality. He doesn’t have to thrive off the hate or admit on a podcast that the boos fuel his desire to perform. But the reality is, Vinicius often lets the noise affect him.
His performances dip, and his on-pitch reactions spiral when the crowd singles him out. Opponents have caught on to this, too.
Just ask Mallorca’s Pablo Maffeo. The right-back has practically become one of Vinicius’ main rivals in football. Maffeo knows exactly how to provoke him, and more often than not, their encounters turn into scrappy confrontations.
🚨 Pablo Maffeo: “In a boxing match, I would knock Vinicius out in 10 seconds.” pic.twitter.com/PhyAZWUdPO
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 4, 2025
It’s not just Maffeo, either—players across La Liga know it’s easy to get under Vinicius’ skin.
And that’s exactly what happened during Real Madrid’s recent clash with Valencia. Vinicius was shown a red card after a heated altercation escalated beyond control. It wasn’t just frustration boiling over—it was a clear sign that the constant targeting is affecting his composure. While his talent is undeniable, these moments of lost control are starting to overshadow his brilliance on the pitch.
