Trouble in Madrid: Vinícius Jr.’s Form Dips as Contract Talks Hit a Wall

A dark cloud is gathering over the Santiago Bernabéu — and it doesn’t involve a rival team, but one of Real Madrid’s brightest stars. Vinícius Júnior, once hailed as the future of the club, is now at the center of growing uncertainty following a string of underwhelming performances this season. The Brazilian forward’s dip in form is sparking concern at the highest levels of Real Madrid’s hierarchy.

Sources close to the club reveal that Viní Jr.’s poor on-field displays have triggered internal discussions about whether the club should continue pushing for a long-term contract renewal. His once-explosive runs and decisive attacking presence have faded, and management fears that the winger’s intensity and mental sharpness have begun to diminish.

More worryingly, this crisis of form comes at a time when contract negotiations are reaching a crucial stage. Vinícius is reportedly demanding a staggering net salary of €30 million per year, a figure that would place him on the same financial pedestal as Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid’s most recent marquee signing.

Mbappé, who joined the club on a free transfer, was handed a hefty signing bonus as compensation. Viní Jr., however, is a homegrown star of sorts — developed within the Madrid system — and the club believes he should not be offered the same privileges as a new arrival.

Club president Florentino Pérez is standing firm. While he continues to recognize Vinícius as a vital asset and a fan favorite, he is reportedly refusing to pay a contract renewal bonus, which the player and his camp are strongly pushing for. This is not a question of Viní’s importance to the squad, but rather a matter of financial policy and precedent.

Real Madrid operates under a strict wage structure, even for its biggest stars. The club wants to avoid creating a scenario where multiple players begin demanding “Mbappé-level” deals, which could destabilize the entire financial model they’ve carefully built over the years.

Privately, some within the club feel that Vinícius may be overestimating his leverage, especially given his recent lack of impact on the pitch. While fans still chant his name and admire his flair, the data shows a sharp decline in productivity — goals, assists, and successful dribbles have all dipped compared to previous seasons.

This contract standoff could evolve into something much larger: a test of loyalty, ego, and the balance of power between player and institution. For a club like Real Madrid, image and legacy matter as much as titles. How they handle the Viní Jr. situation may set a tone for future negotiations with rising stars and global superstars alike.

Despite the tension, there’s no indication that the club is considering selling Vinícius. However, without an agreement soon, the player could enter the final stretch of his contract in a very delicate position — one that might attract interest from elite clubs willing to meet his financial demands.

For now, all eyes are on both Viní Jr.’s performances and the negotiation table. Will he return to his best form and earn the deal he desires, or will this become another cautionary tale of talent, timing, and tough business decisions?

One thing is certain: what happens next could redefine Vinícius Júnior’s future — and Real Madrid’s, too.