Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior has committed to extending the Brazilian forward’s contract through June 30, 2027. The announcement appeared on the club’s official channels, highlighting Vinicius’s long-standing bond with Real Madrid since he joined the academy at age 18 and first appeared for the reserve team on August 26. He was just 18 at that time.
In six seasons with the first team he has taken part in 235 matches, contributed 63 goals, and helped secure nine major trophies. The trophy case includes a Champions League title, two FIFA Club World Cups, one European Super Cup, two league crowns, a Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups. Vinicius’s impact is underscored by his pivotal role in key moments that defined Real Madrid’s recent era.
The club’s official statement describes Vinicius as one of Real Madrid’s most influential players in recent years. It notes his decisive goal that sealed a cup victory and recalls his presence in the 2022 Paris final when Real Madrid claimed a fourteenth European Cup, alongside his Ballon d’Or recognition achieved during the 2022 Club World Cup in Morocco. The message emphasizes the significance of Vinicius’s performances in contributing to the club’s historic successes.
Florentino Pérez’s leadership group, which approved the renewal, also highlights Vinicius’s standing with awards and recognitions. The record includes his selection as the best Young Player in the Champions League for the 2021-2022 season, his inclusion twice in the Champions League’s ideal XI (2021-2022 and 2022-2023), and his presence in La Liga’s ideal team in the same two seasons. This continuation signals a commitment to nurturing a core player who embodies the club’s footballing philosophy.
The renewal marks the first step in a broader structure of contract renewals supported by Real Madrid. Additional renewals are anticipated for teammates in the squad, as the club maintains its strategic plan to secure a cohort of key players over the coming years, including players like Militao, Rodrygo, Camavinga, and Valverde according to the club’s ongoing framework. A substantial release clause of 1,000 million euros remains a common feature in recent renewal moves, underscoring the club’s intent to protect its star assets in the market.
The timing of Vinicius’s contract extension coincided with his receipt of the Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, an accolade that recognizes the Brazilian winger’s social impact through his foundation. The same event also recognized Vinicius as one of the year’s standout performers. The award celebrated Real Madrid’s player’s active stance against racism and his role as an ambassador for positive change within the sport and community at large.
Vinicius’s arrival in Madrid generated substantial expectations. The official signing in May 2017 marked a turning point for the club as it invested 60 million euros to secure his services. The deal detailed that 40 million would go to Flamengo, 12 million to the player’s representatives, and eight million as a signing bonus, a structure that reflected the high hopes for his integration into European football before making his debut in La Liga.
Vinicius debuted for Real Madrid in a match against Atlético Madrid on September 29, coming on as a substitute for Karim Benzema and experiencing his first taste of the Madrid derby. Early in his tenure he faced challenges during a difficult period with Atlético’s reserve side, a few weeks before his first match under coach Julen Lopetegui. An incident involving a bite from Atlético B’s captain on the Brazilian player became a notable early moment in his burgeoning Madrid career, illustrating the intense, sometimes fractious environment surrounding elite football in the city.