Vini Jr. Rejects Saudi Billions, Eyes Real Madrid Renewal and Future Ballon d’Or Chances
On the eve of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid, Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior addressed his future with the club and his stance on a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at a press conference, Vini Jr. expressed his desire to extend his contract with Real Madrid, which currently runs until 2027. “I’m very calm because I have a contract until 2027, and I hope we can renew it as soon as possible.
I’m living my dream here with the best players, the best coach, and the best president. There’s no better place for me,” he stated confidently.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Real Madrid received a staggering R$ 1.9 billion ($317 million) offer in January from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to transfer Vinícius Júnior.
The fund, which controls top Saudi clubs Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Nassr, also offered the player an eye-watering salary of R$ 1.2 billion ($200 million) per season over five years.
Vini Jr. Rejects Lucrative Deal
Despite the astronomical figures, Vini Jr. turned down the deal, reaffirming his commitment to Real Madrid. The forward also addressed last year’s Ballon d’Or controversy, where he finished second behind Manchester City’s Rodri despite being considered a favorite by many.
“The Ballon d’Or? People vote for what they believe in. I have my opinion, and so do my teammates,” he remarked. “Of course, when you’re close to winning it, you want to win it, but I’ll have plenty of chances in the future.”
He revealed that Real Madrid had decided he should skip the award ceremony in Paris, saying, “I always do what the club asks me to do.”
Tensions flared during last year’s Champions League playoffs against Manchester City when English fans taunted Vini Jr. with a mosaic of Rodri holding the Ballon d’Or alongside the phrase “Stop crying so much.”
Despite the provocation, Real Madrid triumphed with a 6-3 aggregate victory in that tie. Real Madrid prepares to face Atlético Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu this Tuesday at 5 PM (Brasília time).
Vini Jr. looks forward to his first Champions League derby against their city rivals. “It will be a great match. We love these classics,” he said enthusiastically. The second leg is set for next Wednesday at Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano.
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