Real Madrid and Vinicius have finalized a new six-year contract, extending his stay at the club until 2032. This agreement follows months of intense negotiations and puts an end to rumors linking the Brazilian forward with a transfer to Arsenal.

Club executives met with Vinicius on 6/8 to finalize the terms, which reportedly reflect his crucial role in Real Madrid's long-term strategy. The new contract significantly increases his earnings, acknowledging his growing importance to the team.

The meeting included Vinicius’s agent, Frederico Pena, advisor Tata Soares, Real Madrid General Director Jose Angel Sanchez, and head of scouting Juni Calafat. Discussions were productive, especially after the club presented an improved offer that surpassed previous proposals.

Real Madrid announced Vinicius's contract extension until 2032. Photo: Real Madrid

Previously, Vinicius earned USD 20 million annually under his old contract, which was set to expire in the summer of 2027. He sought an annual income of approximately USD 34 million, while Real initially offered USD 25 million, leading to a stalemate in negotiations. The Bernabeu club subsequently raised its offer, bringing it closer to Vinicius’s demands, including a revised basic salary, performance-based bonuses, and a signing bonus.

Before reaching this agreement, Vinicius faced three main options: renew with Real, wait to become a free agent when his contract expired next year, or consider an offer from Arsenal. The Gunners closely monitored the situation and were prepared to spend over USD 134 million to sign the 26-year-old forward this summer if he decided to leave the Bernabeu.

Arsenal’s management identified Vinicius as their primary target to strengthen their attack after winning the Premier League title in the 2025-2026 season. The Brazilian international was reportedly open to a move to England if he could not secure a satisfactory agreement with Real Madrid.

Vinicius’s decision to stay provides stability for Real Madrid during a summer marked by significant changes. The club recently reappointed Jose Mourinho as head coach and made several key signings, including Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Carlos Espi, Denzel Dumfries, and most recently, Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a club-record fee of USD 156 million. Real Madrid is also pursuing Manchester City midfielder Rodri, though the Spanish international is reportedly leaning towards joining Barcelona.

Real Madrid shared a photo of Vinicius with the trophies he won at the club. Vinicius later used this image as his Instagram profile picture.

On Instagram, Vinicius reposted Real Madrid’s contract extension announcement with the message: "Eight years at Bernabeu is still too short. Six more years and forever."

This announcement came just one day after the Brazilian forward deleted all his Instagram posts and changed his profile picture. Amidst tense contract negotiations, his actions had fueled widespread speculation that he might leave the Bernabeu.

However, after signing the new contract, Vinicius updated his profile picture with an image strongly associated with Real Madrid. The picture featured his name, jersey number 7, and a collection of trophies won with the team. This move is seen as a clear affirmation of his long-term commitment to the Bernabeu club, suggesting that his previous social media actions merely marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

Born in Sao Goncalo in 2000, Vinicius was quickly recognized as a prodigious talent in Brazilian football. He joined Flamengo’s academy at 10 years old, made his first-team debut at 16, and soon attracted the attention of Real Madrid. In 2018, at 18 years old, Vinicius transferred to the Bernabeu for USD 50 million, a record fee for a teenage player at the time.

During his tenure with Real Madrid, Vinicius has developed into a top-tier star. He has been instrumental in helping the club secure numerous major titles, including two Champions League trophies, three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups, one Copa del Rey, two UEFA Super Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup, and one Intercontinental Cup.

Overall, Vinicius has scored 128 goals and provided 100 assists in 376 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions. In the 2025-2026 season, he scored 22 goals across all competitions, though Real Madrid concluded the season trophyless for the second consecutive year.

Hong Duy