Vinicius Demands Record Salary Equal to Ronaldo’s

A new transfer saga is unfolding in European football. Vinicius is ready to take over from Mbappé, as his contract extension talks with Real Madrid have hit a dead end. The Brazilian himself is the initiator of the stalemate, having rejected a deal worth €15–20 million. The reason is simple: the 24-year-old winger believes he performs at the level of Cristiano Ronaldo.

At least, that's what Spanish media are reporting, particularly The Athletic, which has denied rumors of an imminent contract signing between Vinicius and the royal club. According to them, the player's agents are demanding not only €30 million per year from Florentino Pérez and company, but also numerous bonuses, including fees for their services.

€30 million, as you may know, was Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary at Real Madrid, making him the highest-paid player in the club’s history. It’s unlikely that Vinicius, especially after his Champions League flop and just three goals over two spring months, would dare to demand such an amount without having alternatives on the table.

Indeed, The Athletic confirms that Vinicius is seriously considering an offer from Saudi Arabia. Initial talks took place early in the season, but at the time, the Brazilian politely declined, as a move to the Persian Gulf would have harmed his chances of winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Negotiations naturally resumed after Rodri won the award. Vinicius is reportedly being courted by Al-Ahli, where Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez currently play. While The Athletic did not specify the numbers, it's said that even Real Madrid players view it as an "offer you can't refuse." If the January rumors are true, the deal could be worth around €1 billion over five years.

Vinicius himself remains undecided, but those around him are pushing for an exit from the Galácticos. Otherwise, Real Madrid would have to meet his historic €30 million salary demand.

It’s still unclear whether Vinicius is using Saudi interest to secure a better deal from Madrid or if a blockbuster transfer is truly in the making.

In Spain, the latter seems more likely. After all, Real Madrid would be keen to cash in on their defiant star. Logically, it would be risky to keep both Vinicius and Mbappé in the same squad, given how similar they are as players. A sale for €200–300 million would pave the way for the ultimate prize: Erling Haaland. With Haaland’s signing, Kylian Mbappé could comfortably reclaim his favorite left-wing position.

Published by Patrick Jane
26.04.2025