Just one year ago, Vinicius Junior was living the pinnacle of his football glory. In the 2023-2024 season, he led Real Madrid to win the Champions League and the Spanish League, scoring and assisting 35 goals in 39 matches, amid overwhelming public love that made him the preferred candidate to remain in his position on the left wing even after the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.The club's management was clinging to him, refusing to even think about imaginary offers from the Saudi League, and the new season began and he is one of the most prominent candidates for the Ballon d'Or. But last season turned the picture upside down, as his level declined significantly, and the 2024-2025 season became full of individual disappointments.According to the network «The Athletic», several sources confirmed that losing the Ballon d'Or was a psychological burden on Vinicius, despite him winning the «The Best» award from «FIFA» in December (December). But the greatest tension came from the faltering negotiations to renew his contract, which negatively affected his performance.
Real Madrid began negotiating with him in January (January), even though his contract extends until 2027, and offered him 20 million euros annually net, but his representatives demanded a historic contract of up to 30 million euros with a renewal bonus, similar to Cristiano Ronaldo's privileges previously.The club refused to break the salary scale or add a renewal bonus, at a time when the player's level declined and he began to be booed by Santiago Bernabeu fans.The arrival of new coach Xabi Alonso was an opportunity to reset the team, but he surprised Vinicius with plans to keep him on the bench in the Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, before the plan changed due to Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury.Alonso pushed him on the right side, leaving the left side to Mbappe, a decision that did not please the Brazilian star, who sees himself as more deserving of his historical position. However, those close to the coach confirm that his plan is based on bringing Mbappe and Vinicius together, with tactical flexibility throughout the season.
So far, Vinicius has only one goal and one assist in the preparatory matches, and as this performance continues, there are those within the club who believe that his status as an untouched player may fade, and that the fans, management and players will accept this if he continues to decline.Real Madrid still hopes to regain its level, but the complexities of the contract, public pressure, and tactical changes put it in front of a season that may be pivotal in its career with the Royal Club.
