Vinicius Jr., a two-time Champions League winner and key figure for Real Madrid, is reportedly having significant doubts about extending his contract with the club.
Despite public declarations of wanting to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu, a challenging season marked by internal issues and a “sense of exhaustion” has led the Brazilian forward to reconsider his long-term future, according to a report by MARCA. His current deal is set to expire in just 13 months.
The 2026 season has been a turbulent one for Vinicius Jr., contrasting sharply with his high-demand performances.
While he delivered a brace against Espanyol and has generally played to the expected standard, he also endured “one of the biggest whistles in the history of the Bernabéu” in January.
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The pressure seemingly got to him, leading to an apology to the fans after scoring the second goal against Alavés in April. As the team’s fourth captain, Vinicius Jr. has also attempted to foster harmony, even hosting teammates at his local ‘Sixtyone’ for dinner and padel matches.
A significant factor contributing to Vinicius Jr.’s disenchantment appears to be the internal dynamics, particularly his relationship with former coach Xabi Alonso.
The forward openly described their connection as “toxic,” a “lack of feeling” that persisted until Alonso’s dismissal. The locker room atmosphere itself has reportedly shifted, with “hugs replaced by reproaches,” indicating a broader disharmony within the squad.
While his relationship with current coach Arbeloa has been positive, with Arbeloa only resting him once in the match against Mallorca, there is no guarantee that Arbeloa will remain on the Real Madrid bench for the next campaign.
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Publicly, Vinicius Jr. has stated, “he wants to stay many years at the club of his life.”
However, the MARCA report suggests that his current disenchantment is profound enough to make him reconsider that commitment. He reportedly believes that for him to sign a contract renewal, fundamental changes are required within the club, extending beyond just salary considerations.
The team’s performance has not improved since Alonso’s departure, further fueling discontent among fans and players alike.
With his contract ticking down and a clear desire for significant change, the coming months will be crucial for both Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid.
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The club faces the challenge of addressing the deep-seated issues that have left one of their most talented players feeling exhausted and uncertain about his future, despite his undeniable contributions to their recent successes, including scoring in two Champions League finals.
Sources: www.marca.com
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