Unrest at the Bernabéu: Contract renewal talks between Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid have stalled after the Brazilian star made unreasonable demands. This relationship is over!!!

Real Madrid and Vinícius Júnior are at a crossroads. What was supposed to be a smooth and early contract renewal for one of the most explosive players in the world has now spiraled into a crisis. According to multiple sources in both Spain and Brazil, negotiations between the two parties have completely broken down. The sticking point? Salary.

Although Vinícius’ current contract runs until 2027, both the player and the club had initiated talks in the hope of extending his stay well into the 2030s. The goal was simple—lock down the future of one of the club’s brightest stars in the post-Benzema era. But instead of unity, the discussions have sparked tension and uncertainty.

Insiders close to the situation reveal that the Brazilian forward is demanding a salary that exceeds even that of Kylian Mbappé—currently the highest-paid player at the club, earning around €23 million annually. For context, Mbappé joined this summer with a Galáctico package that Real considered a benchmark. Now, Vinícius wants more.

From the player’s point of view, the demand isn’t irrational. Over the past two seasons, Vinícius has been the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s attack. Whether it’s a solo run in the Champions League knockout stages or a clutch finish in El Clásico, he’s repeatedly delivered. To him and his camp, that kind of impact should be reflected in his paycheck.

However, the Real Madrid board sees things differently. President Florentino Pérez and general director José Ángel Sánchez are wary of upsetting the club’s carefully balanced wage structure. Paying Vinícius more than Mbappé could cause unrest in the dressing room and embolden others—like Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, and Thibaut Courtois—to also seek improved terms.

Beyond internal concerns, Real Madrid is also guided by a broader financial philosophy. The club has made it a priority to avoid the kind of reckless spending that has burdened other top European giants. Despite their reputation for marquee signings, Madrid has quietly built a sustainable wage and transfer policy, even with Mbappé’s arrival.

Still, the situation is growing more delicate by the day. Clubs from the English Premier League and Saudi Pro League are circling. These financially aggressive outfits are said to be preparing massive offers, knowing that a disgruntled Vinícius could become available sooner than expected. PSG has also reportedly shown interest and could be ready to “break the bank.”

The tension has reached the fans, too. Social media has erupted with debates over who’s in the right—Vinícius, who demands recognition for his growing influence, or Real Madrid, who believe no player should place himself above the institution.

Vinícius’ entourage believes the club is underestimating his market value and influence, both on and off the field. Sponsorships, fan engagement, and shirt sales in Brazil have all surged thanks to his presence. They argue that he’s not just a player—he’s a global brand.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid remains calm publicly, but insiders suggest they are running out of patience. Talks have reportedly been frozen for over a week, and no new meetings have been scheduled. “We won’t be held hostage,” a senior club official allegedly told Marca, hinting at a possible hardline stance.

With more than two years left on his deal, there’s no immediate urgency to sell. But if the impasse continues into next summer, Madrid might have no choice but to consider offers—especially if the player threatens to run down his contract.

The club has faced similar stand-offs before, most notably with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. But unlike those cases, Vinícius is only 25, still peaking, and represents the future. Losing him would be a symbolic and strategic blow.

For now, both sides appear locked in a cold war. Vinícius feels underappreciated; the club feels pressured. Unless a breakthrough happens soon, this could mark the beginning of the end for a relationship that once seemed destined to last a decade.