At 24, Vini Jr is widely regarded as one of the top players in world football and recently finished second to Manchester City’s Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings. ..Continue Reading
Even though he was evidently disappointed at not winning the award, he has continued to shine for Carlo Ancelotti’s team, scoring 16 goals and providing 10 assists in 26 appearances this season.
Last season, he was instrumental in Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double-winning campaign, netting a goal in the 2-0 victory against Dortmund in the final at Wembley in June.
Despite being a key player for Los Blancos, the Brazilian is reportedly drawing interest from the Saudi Pro League.
According to AS, clubs backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) might be willing to offer a world record €1.3 billion package to acquire the 24-year-old.
The Saudi league attempted to lure him last summer, but Madrid pointed to his €1 billion release clause.
Vini Jr is contracted with Madrid until the summer of 2027 and is likely to further solidify his impressive legacy in the Spanish capital if he remains injury-free in the coming seasons.
However, he has previously mentioned the one club he could consider joining in the future.
“I think I could stay here my whole career, but the club of my life is Flamengo,” he told L’Équipe in 2023.
“I love life here in general, and it’s going well for my family too. When my loved ones walk around, they are recognised and they wish us nothing but happiness.
“Little by little, I discovered this new life, new emotions, a fervour… Madrid is unique. Everyone around the world tells me about this club.
“And apart from that, I like it. I’m quite a homebody, but we do a lot of activities.”
The Brazil winger came through the ranks at Flamengo and made 69 appearances for the club before moving to Madrid in 2018.
Vini Jr’s fellow Brazilian, Neymar, looks set to return to his boyhood team Santos after his contract at Al-Hilal was terminated by the club.
