“Better than ever”: Vinícius contract doubts ease

When the Bernabéu fans turned on Vinícius Júnior across several matches, repeatedly whistling the Brazilian, many called loudly for the forward’s departure from Real Madrid. But Vinícius has managed to flip the script entirely.

Xabi Alonso’s exit has had a significant impact on Vinícius (although, in the former Madrid head coach’s final game in charge, the player was already showing a clear uptick in his form and influence). The 25-year-old can now, once more, look every top forward in the world straight in the eyes.

“I want Vinícius to be happy”

Vinícius feels important again. It had already become obvious in the U.S. that the chemistry between him and Alonso wasn’t right. But from day one, new boss Álvaro Arbeloa has given him something he had been missing: confidence. “I want Vinícius to be happy,” Arbeloa has said.

But above all, the club made a firm commitment to recovering the best version of a player who can be a difference‑maker in any match, in any situation. The real credit lies in the fact that this support arrived precisely when almost everyone else had turned on him.

“Better than ever”

When the question now comes up about how the former Flamengo star is doing day-to-day and how talks with the club over his renewal are progressing, the answer leaves no room for doubt: “Better than ever.” Remarkable, considering that just a few weeks ago, an exaggerated storm had erupted around everything involving Vinícius.

No one questions anymore that the still‑pending contract extension needs to become a reality. Even his harshest critics have once again bowed to the performances of a player who has proven he’s back to being decisive - as shown by his streak of five straight matches scoring, along with the 13 goals and 11 assists he’s already registered this season.

He’s still some way off last year’s haul of 22 goals and 19 assists, but he’s clearly on the path to matching his previous numbers. And he’s doing it while pressing, chasing down opponents, and winning balls back.

Complete understanding

The dialogue with the club is constant - as is the communication with his agent. Madrid’s leadership remains silent on the matter of extending a contract that runs through 2027, but that was also the case during his last renewal, which wasn’t made official until a year after the agreement.

There is complete understanding between a player who is truly different and a club that recognizes, as they emphasize in Valdebebas, the exceptional mental strength he’s shown by refusing to give in. Others would have let themselves fade. Instead, he fought until he became once again the reference point - the leader - of this Real Madrid.

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