Real Madrid to decide on star man’s future after gauging his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Reports

Vinicius Junior’s performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will reportedly be a major factor in determining whether or not Real Madrid will offer him a contract extension.

Vinicius’ current contract with Real Madrid is set to expire in 2027, but talks between the two parties over a contract extension have stalled for some time. Reports suggest Vinicius is demanding an increment to his current paycheck, a request The Whites are unwilling to meet for the time being.

According to The Worldwhile Vinicius is still highly valued by President Florentino Perez and the club’s management, the 2026 FIFA World Cup could determine his long-term stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The report stated that if he delivers an exceptional performance at the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, it could force Real Madrid to make the necessary financial commitment. However, if he doesn’t perform up to expected standard, the club could be tempted to make a move and explore their options in the transfer market.

While Vinicius registered 36 goal contributions across all competitions for The Whites last season, it counted for little, as the club went trophyless for a second consecutive season. The 25-year-old is currently the second-highest-paid player in the Spanish capital, with only Kylian Mbappe earning more than the Brazilian.

In August 2024, Vinicius reportedly rejected a €1 billion offer from a Saudi Pro League club, dubbed the biggest deal in football history. Amid the uncertainty surrounding his future, he has continually been linked with a move to the Middle East. Vinicius joined Madrid in 2018 from his boyhood club Flamengo, and his current market value stands at €140 million, as per Transfermarkt.

Vinicius and Jose Mourinho ready to start Real Madrid relationship with clean slate – Reports

Real Madrid have confirmed Jose Mourinho’s return to the club as the first team’s head coach, but the Portuguese will officially take charge on July 13. While Los Blancos faithful will hope the ‘Special One’ can take them back to glory days, the former Benfica boss might have to mend fences with one of his new players, Vinicius to be precise.

Earlier this year, the pair were on opposite sides of an alleged racism row during a UEFA Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid. Vinicius claimed he was racially abused by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni, but rather than addressing the elephant in the room, Mourinho criticised the winger for his choice of goal celebration, saying he incited chaos.

Now with Mourinho taking the reins at Madrid, there could be concerns about him and Vini not getting along. Such fear has, however, been allayed, with Sky Sports reporting that the two have been in touch since and are ready to start with a clean slate.

While Mourinho is expected to have a significant level of control over affairs at the Bernabeu, there is no denying that Vinicius holds considerable player power in the dressing room.

Edited by Ezekiel Olamide