Vinícius Júnior knows exactly where he wants to be. He’s just 24, but he has already worn the Real Madrid badge for 300 matches. When he speaks, there’s an unmistakable tone of pride.
“I am very calm because I have a contract until 2027, and I hope we can renew it as soon as possible,” he said in a Champions League pre-match press conference. “I am living my dream, with the best players, the best manager, and the best president. I couldn’t be in a better place.”
He’s faced many questions about a potential move to the Saudi Pro League, where there is talk of an offer worth more than $1 billion, but he brushes that aside. His focus remains on one thing: staying at Real Madrid and becoming an all-time great. “I’m here to make history, with everything this club has given me,” he said. “Let’s hope I can score more goals, play more games. My dream as a kid was playing here.”
Vini’s single-minded vision
Vinícius exudes determination at every turn. He has won two Champions League titles with Real Madrid, including decisive moments in the finals. Yet for all the glory, he’s also faced criticism, especially when it comes to on-field skirmishes and debates over refereeing. He admits he’s still learning. “I do a lot of things that I shouldn’t,” he said. “But I think I’m improving, I’m more calm. People forget I’m only 24.”
He has been equally vocal about the disparity in officiating styles, especially in Spain. He believes European referees handle physical play more firmly, protecting flair players in ways that benefit attacking football. “In Europe, referees defend the players more who entertain,” he said. “Referees don’t give a card to others, and then when I complain for the first time, I get a card.”
That blunt honesty has made him a focal point in both domestic and European competitions. Yet, few doubt his status as one of the team’s cornerstones.
He’s still under contract for two more years, but early discussions about an extended deal have already begun. There’s a sense that Real Madrid is eager to secure him long-term, mindful of how essential he’s become to their plans.
When the Ballon d’Or voting placed him second in 2024, some observers wondered if he felt slighted. His response was calm, revealing a player who understands the bigger picture. “I do what the club says,” he said. “The club asked me to stay in Madrid and I stayed.” That loyalty and his willingness to improve, helps explain why he has a strong bond with teammates, coaches, and fans.
Negotiations for his new contract won’t likely happen overnight, but he’s clarified his stance. For Vinícius, there’s no better place than the Bernabéu. He thrives under the spotlight of a club that expects nothing less than championships, and the supporters love him for it. He continues to grow on the field, weaving past defenders, learning from each challenge, and celebrating goals that seem to pour from his boots.
“I’m here to continue making history,” he reminds us all. That history is unfolding in real time with each game he plays, each trophy he lifts, and each step he takes toward legendary status at Real Madrid.
