At 24, the former Flamengo prodigy is widely recognized as one of the top talents in world football. He was a frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, but, along with his Real Madrid teammates, withdrew from the ceremony earlier this week…Continue Reading
This came after news broke shortly before the event that Manchester City’s Rodri had secured the prestigious award.
The Brazilian star later posted a defiant message on X, commenting: “I will do 10x if necessary. They are not prepared.”
Real Madrid came out in support of Vinicius, with a club source telling AFP [via CNN]: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to [Dani] Carvajal as the winner.
“As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
Despite Real Madrid’s backing, rumors suggest Vinicius Jr. might consider leaving the club when his current contract ends.
The Brazilian forward is signed with Madrid until 2027, yet, according to Spanish outlet Relevo, he recently declined an invitation to start talks for an extension.
This comes as reports indicate the Saudi Pro League is preparing another massive offer to lure him away from the Bernabeu.
Last summer, they reportedly presented him with a five-year deal worth around €1bn (£837m), which he turned down. However, they are expected to approach him again with a similar offer in 2025.
Interest in Vinicius isn’t limited to Saudi Arabia. Relevo also reports that Manchester United, Chelsea, and PSG are closely monitoring his contract situation.
Back in 2022, Vinicius was asked if he’d consider a future move to the Premier League, indicating some openness to the idea for later in his career.
“It is true that I’m very happy here at Real Madrid and I think I will play here until the end of my career,” he told SPORTbible.
“Of course, experiencing another league is important and I think the Premier League is a league that every player wants to play in.
“But my dream is and always was to play for Real Madrid.”
According to Relevo, Real Madrid is eager to secure Vinicius on a new long-term contract to avoid a situation similar to Kylian Mbappe’s high-profile transfer to the Bernabeu this summer.
Mbappe joined Madrid on a free transfer after his PSG contract expired, amid an ongoing dispute with the French club over allegedly unpaid bonuses from his time at Parc des Princes.
