Real Madrid’s €200M Star Set for Renewal: Double Pay Raise in Two Years, From €1.5M to €15M, Matching Mbappé

At just 24 years old, Vinícius Júnior has solidified his position as one of the best players in the world. His performances and tactical importance for Real Madrid arguably surpass even Kylian Mbappé, yet when it comes to salary, the Brazilian winger still lags behind his French teammate. According to AS on December 28, Real Madrid plans to address this disparity by offering Vinícius a new contract in the summer of 2025, raising his salary to match Mbappé’s.

Vinícius: Real Madrid’s Undisputed Star

As Real Madrid’s mainstay on the left wing, Vinícius has been nothing short of sensational during the 2024-25 season. In 21 matches across all competitions, he has already contributed 14 goals and 10 assists. His individual accolades further highlight his excellence: second place in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings and the title of FIFA Best Men’s Player.

With a current market value of €200 million, Vinícius is arguably the top player in world football. His elite abilities demand an equally elite salary. However, despite his on-field dominance, Vinícius is not yet the highest-paid player at Real Madrid. That honor belongs to Mbappé, who earns a net annual salary of €15 million (excluding signing bonuses).

A Rapid Rise in Earnings

Vinícius’s salary progression since joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2018 reflects his rise to stardom. His first contract saw him earning a modest €1.5 million annually. After proving himself as a key player, he secured a significant raise in October 2023, extending his contract until 2027 with a net annual salary of €10 million.

Despite this increase, Vinícius’s earnings remain below those of Mbappé. Recognizing this imbalance, Real Madrid is preparing to offer him another substantial raise. According to AS, the club plans to increase Vinícius’s salary by 50%, bringing him in line with Mbappé’s €15 million net annual pay. This move will not only reward Vinícius’s contributions but also help maintain harmony and unity within the locker room.

A €1 Billion Release Clause

Real Madrid has no intention of losing Vinícius. His contract includes a €1 billion release clause, effectively shielding him from potential poaching by Saudi Arabian clubs or other wealthy suitors. Nevertheless, the club understands the importance of keeping its stars happy and motivated.

Vinícius is seen as one of the cornerstones of Real Madrid’s future, alongside Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. Together, they represent the club’s present and future, both on and off the pitch.

Saudi Arabia’s Lucrative Offer

Despite his commitment to Real Madrid, Vinícius has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia. Reports suggest that Al-Ahli, one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs, has presented Vinícius with an astronomical offer: a five-year contract worth €1 billion, including salary, bonuses, and endorsement deals.

While such a deal would be life-changing for most players, Vinícius has shown no inclination to accept it. For now, his focus remains on continuing his career at the highest level in Europe and contributing to Real Madrid’s success.

Loyalty Rewarded

Real Madrid’s decision to offer Vinícius a salary increase is about more than just money; it’s a testament to the club’s faith in his abilities and leadership. By 2025, Vinícius’s earnings will have skyrocketed from €1.5 million to €15 million in just two years—a tenfold increase that reflects his transformation into one of the world’s most valuable players.

With this renewal, Real Madrid aims to ensure that Vinícius remains a central figure in their plans for years to come, matching Mbappé not only in salary but also in status as one of the club’s marquee players.