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The uncertainty over Vinicius Junior’s future at Real Madrid is growing more intense as the World Cup draws closer.

With the final year of his Real Madrid contract approaching, Spanish outlet *As* reports that no substantial progress is expected before the World Cup begins in the USA, Mexico, and Canada on June 11.

Negotiations to extend Vinicius’s current deal, which runs until 2027, have been on hold since last July’s Club World Cup. The upcoming global tournament could have a major impact on his market valuation and might influence Real Madrid’s discreet hopes regarding the situation.

If the 23-year-old performs well for Brazil, his leverage in contract talks will strengthen. Other clubs monitoring his situation may intensify their interest, believing a year remaining on his deal would keep the transfer fee within reach. Such circumstances could allow Vinicius to demand a more lucrative salary when renegotiating in Madrid.

According to *As*, the winger initially requested a staggering annual salary of around €28 million but later reduced his demand, seeking parity with teammate Kylian Mbappé, who earns just over €14 million per year. At one point, an agreement seemed close, with Vinicius even publicly expressing confidence that he would extend his stay.

However, talks stalled, partly because Vinicius felt undervalued under former coach Xabi Alonso—a sentiment that improved after Alvaro Arbeloa took charge. Arbeloa has since left, and José Mourinho is widely expected to take over next season.

Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid: What if he has a disappointing World Cup?

It remains uncertain whether Vinicius will embrace Mourinho’s arrival. The club’s internal instability only adds to the tension around his future, particularly with the presidential election scheduled for this Sunday. When asked on TVE if Vinicius would extend his contract soon, current president Florentino Perez replied candidly: “I don’t know. Personally, I’d like him to stay. He’s one of the best players in the world.”

If the forward, a key figure for Brazil under former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, underperforms at the World Cup, the club could avoid facing even higher wage demands. However, should both sides decide to part ways this summer to prevent losing him for free in 2027, a poor showing could lower his transfer value and restrict funds for finding a replacement.

For now, time favours Vinicius more than Real Madrid. Both sides still prefer to continue their partnership. As reported by *As*, the player’s representatives have not rejected the renewal proposal nor plan to depart on a free transfer in 2027. His main objective remains staying with Los Blancos.

Vinicius’ goal-scoring record for Brazil remains modest

Since moving from Flamengo to Real Madrid in 2018 at age 18, Vinicius has had a solid but unspectacular season. Real Madrid failed to claim any major trophy for the second consecutive year, while the Brazilian forward often found himself benched under Alonso and even faced jeers from home fans. His tally of 22 goals and 14 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions in 2025/26 is respectable, yet many feel he did not reach his full potential.

At the World Cup, Brazil is among the broader group of contenders but not among the absolute favourites. The five-time champions endured an inconsistent qualifying campaign with a historically low points total. France, Spain, and Argentina are considered the leading favourites due to their deeper squads.

Vinicius has scored only nine goals in 48 international appearances—a modest figure for a player of his calibre. However, he boosted confidence last weekend with a goal and an assist in Brazil’s 6-2 friendly win over Panama. He scored within minutes and later set up another goal. Brazil’s final warm-up match will be against Egypt on Saturday.

Brazil will kick off their World Cup journey on June 12 against Morocco, followed by group-stage matches against Scotland and Haiti.

Vinicius Junior’s international record: key statistics

International debut: 11 September 2019 (0–1 vs Peru, friendly)

Appearances: 48

Goals: 9

Assists: 9

Major tournaments: Copa América 2021 (4 appearances, 0 goals, runners-up), 2022 World Cup (4 appearances, 1 goal, quarter-finals), Copa América 2024 (3 appearances, 2 goals, quarter-finals).