Vinicius Junior, getty images November 24, 2025, 6:10 p.m

Despite previous signals that the parties are ready to move to the previously reported “stage of stability and calmness”, the situation surrounding Vinicius Junior’s new contract is ambiguous. According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old Brazilian is currently not determined to extend his contract with the Madrid club – and the reason for this does not lie in finances, but in his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso.

Vinicius’ contract runs until the summer of 2027 and includes a release clause of €1 billion. Currently, he receives about 18 million per year, and at the beginning of 2025, Real Madrid management offered him a new contract with an increase to 20 million. After the offer was rejected, the club asked the player’s side to name their own conditions.

The winger’s representatives have made one of the most ambitious requests in Madrid’s history – a package commensurate with Cristiano Ronaldo’s contracts at his peak. Around €30m a year, which would include a base salary, bonuses and a signing bonus, which “creamy“ previously practically not used in negotiations.

However, according to sources, it is not about numbers. The player’s decision rests on a strained relationship with Xabi Alonso. Vinicius is still reeling from the episode against Barcelona when his 72nd-minute substitution turned into a verbal altercation and a brief demarche to the dressing room. Although he later apologized, the emotional residue remained.

That is why, according to journalists, the Brazilian does not want to discuss the extension of the contract until the atmosphere in interaction with the coach changes. This creates a new phase of tension in the relationship between the parties – especially against the background that the club was previously close to settling the negotiation differences, which we previously reported.

Despite this, Vinicius remains one of the team’s key performers: 17 matches in the season, 5 goals scored and four assists. Real Madrid continue to lead the La Liga table, one point ahead of Barcelona, ​​and Xabi Alonso and his team will play against Olympiakos in the Champions League on November 26.