If we had to bring out a name from Real Madrid over the last two seasons, Karim Benzema seems to be the first choice. But if Casa Blanca was crowned champion of Spain and won the Champions League in 2021-2022, it also owes it to its Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior. Author of 17 goals and 10 assists in the league this season, the 23-year-old striker was the second most decisive player in La Liga behind his French teammate, in addition to his 6 goals and 4 goals, including the one that delivered the Merengues in the C1 final against Liverpool.
Arriving at the club in the Spanish capital for 45 million euros from Flamengo in the summer of 2018 despite the interest of other European big names, the native of São Gonçalo initially struggled to meet expectations, suffering even several critics from its first season in Europe. Nevertheless, he was able to gain strength over the seasons to become one of the best young players on the Old Continent, with a substantial track record: two championships, two Super Cups, a Club World Cup in addition to the European Cup. big ears.
The Brazilian extended until 2027
Seeing his meteoric explosion in the white jersey, Madrid management decided not only to extend Vinicius Jr’s contract (valid until 2024), but also to revalue it. Indeed, before this extension, the Auriverde international (25 caps, 3 goals) was one of the lowest paid players in the professional group with an annual salary of 3 million euros. Having not asked for a raise since his first lease signed when he was 16, this renewal will then solidify his status as a star striker that he holds today. His release clause is estimated at 1 billion euros. Predominant in Carlo Ancelotti’s game, the former Flamengo player compiled 23 goals and 21 assists last season.
Freshly won the Socrates trophy this Monday during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Vinicius Junior is now linked to Madrid until 2027. In a press release published on its official website, the club from the Spanish capital also stated soberly delighted with this news: “Real Madrid CF and Vini Jr. have agreed to extend the player’s contract, who remains linked to the club until June 30, 2027. At 23 years old, Vini Jr. is already one of the most important players at Real Madrid in recent years. last years. He scored the goal that won us the Fourteenth European Cup in the final in Paris in 2022 and won the Ballon d’Or at the 2022 Club World Cup in Morocco, which Real Madrid won and represented the eighth world title in our history.»
