Fresh Contract for Vinicius Jr; Bellingham Red Sparks Outrage

Real Madrid has taken one step ahead in retaining its top talent, as it has lined up a fresh contract for its star player, Vinicius Junior. 

The fans with Real Madrid tickets were taken back when the Brazilian denied his first contract renewal and wanted a chance to renegotiate. 

It looks like the Los Blancos have understood his role in the team, understood the assignment, and now have a feasible fresh contract. 

The Brazil international’s current terms were signed in 2022, announced in 2023, and run through 2027. They include a € 1 billion ($1.03bn; £830m) release clause.

The 24-year-old was linked with a move abroad during the summer transfer window. In August 2024, The Athletic reported that his representatives had discussed a possible move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL).

Madrid showed a willingness then for a renewal, but the player’s side preferred to wait for the season to progress and even end before negotiating. Saudi representatives made new contact with the player’s camp in December and expressed that Vinicius Jr remains a target for the summer.

Vinicius’s display on the field has been nothing less than spectacular in the last few seasons. THose with Real Madrid tickets are still upset that he wasn’t chosen ahead of Man City’s Rordi for the Ballon d’Or, but that doesn’t take away anything of what he has achieved. 

With a performance like this, the Saudi Pro League inevitably wants him for a way higher pay check. 

Vinicius Jr. and his representatives are seeking an increase in compensation that more accurately reflects his position as one of the world’s best players. His current annual salary is around €15m net of tax after he has received various bonuses, including winning the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year award.

Team-mate Kylian Mbappe earns around €15m net each year but joined with a signing bonus after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer.

At the club’s request, a meeting was held at Valdebebas in mid-January between members of the Madrid board, Vinicius Jr.’s camp, and a member of the player’s family. The club’s initial proposal, which included an increase in salary, was rejected, and talks are expected to continue.

Vinicius Jr ‘wants to make history’ at Real Madrid – Ancelotti

Vinicius Jr. signed for Madrid in 2018 for a €45m fee from the Brazilian club Flamengo.

Since then, he has spoken of his desire to win the Ballon d’Or while at the club. In October, he was overlooked for the award in favour of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, but he turned the tables on the Spain international to win the FIFA Best award in December.

Earlier in October, he had indicated he wanted to stay at Madrid “forever.”

“I’m still only 24,” Vinicius Jr said after the Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund. “I want to stay here forever and contribute as much as possible to this team, which has given me everything since I arrived here.”

Vinicius Jr has made 293 appearances for Madrid, scoring 101 goals and adding 83 assists.

He won three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, and two FIFA Club World Cups during that time.

This season, he scored 16 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions while laying on 10 assists.

Bellingham Speaks Out After Red Card Dilemma

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham said his red card for dissent on Saturday against Osasuna was a “misunderstanding” and he had not insulted the referee. 

The England international was dismissed after 39 minutes of Madrid’s 1-1 draw at El Sadar when he exchanged words with referee Jose Munuera Montero, who reached for his red card. 

Bellingham said he was expressing his frustration in general rather than directing an insult at the official. “I think you can see clearly in the video that I remember the incident very well; it was an expression (I was saying) to myself,” said the 21-year-old.

“I’m not even directing myself towards the referee, but obviously, there was a misunderstanding. He’s believed that I’ve said (something insulting) to him…

“There was no intent to insult him, there was no insult, and for that reason, I think you can see there was a misunderstanding.”

Real Madrid has recently heavily criticised refereeing in Spain, sending a letter to the Spanish football federation calling it “rigged.”

Bellingham said he hoped video evidence of what he said could be used to help him avoid a significant suspension.

In his report, Munuera Montero indicated Bellingham appeared to be insulting him.

“It’s difficult when a referee isn’t sure to determine that I’ve said something that I haven’t, and as a result, it kind of hinders the team,” said Bellingham.

“I only want to make sure that the team know that I wasn’t irresponsible enough to put them in a situation where I intentionally wanted them to be left with 10, but of course, being involved means that’s the case.

“I hope that the footage will be reviewed and that it’s not the same as the report and that going forward, the federation can take that into consideration because it’s huge evidence.”

Bellingham said his conscience was clear after the incident.

“The report, obviously, the reason why he sent me off, doesn’t match what I’ve said,” he added.

“So I’m pretty calm in this situation, knowing that I wasn’t in the wrong for saying to myself an expression that I’ve been saying since I was, you know, 16, 17 years old, rightly or wrongly.”

It was Bellingham’s second red card for Madrid since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. The first came last March after arguing with referee Jesus Gil Manzano following a 2-2 league draw at Valencia.

“I think the one last year is a bit more difficult… I think I definitely put myself in a situation,” Bellingham added.

Those with Real Madrid tickets weren’t happy about the decision and didn’t stop showing resentment on the day. Had Bellingham been there, the 1-1 draw might have favoured a Madrid win.