Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s highest earner - lucrative bonus sees one player take the crown
Mbappé, Vinicius, Bellingham are all on eye-watering remuneration packages, but there’s now one clear biggest earner.
Being the Best on the field... and on the payroll. Vinícius Jr., right now the best soccer player in the world, has solidified his position both in terms of playing and as the highest earner at Real Madrid.
After being named FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player at a prestigious ceremony in Qatar—where votes from captains, coaches, journalists, and fans across FIFA’s 200+ member associations determined the winner—the Brazilian winger’s earnings are now unmatched within the club. According to sources close to the negotiations, the award triggered a bonus clause that places Vinicius’s annual net salary at €20 million for the final two years of his current contract.
A smart contract for Vinicius pays off
When Vinícius renewed his contract with Real Madrid in 2022, his agent, Frederico Pena, negotiated a progressive structure. Initially set to average €15 million net per year over five seasons (2022–2027), the deal includes performance-based incentives. Winning FIFA’s The Best or finishing among the top three for the Ballon d’Or significantly boosts his salary.
Vinícius’s financial trajectory reflects his rising star. When he first joined Real Madrid as an 18-year-old from Flamengo, his earnings were tied largely to his playing time and performance. By 2022, his base salary had grown to €4.7 million net annually. Post-renewal, that figure jumped to €15 million, with his current €20 million making him the highest-paid player in Real Madrid’s lineup..
Future negotiations: Challenges and opportunities for Real Madrid and Vinicius
Real Madrid faces a pivotal summer as they prepare to renegotiate Vinícius’s contract. Despite significant interest from Saudi Arabia, where lucrative offers await, Vinícius has consistently expressed his loyalty to Real Madrid. His celebration cry, “Eu aqui!” (“I’m here!”), underscores his commitment to staying with the club he dreamed of representing as a child.
Complicating matters, however, is the club’s balancing act with other star players. Kylian Mbappé, who joined Madrid on a free transfer, earns a base salary similar to Vinícius but reportedly received a €20 million signing bonus spread across five years. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, whose breakout season saw him score 23 goals, is also poised for a raise to align with Madrid’s top earners. With all three players under contract until at least 2027 (Mbappé and Bellingham’s deals run through 2029), managing their salaries will be critical to maintaining squad harmony.
The road ahead for Real Madrid’s Crown Jewels
Vinícius, Mbappé, and Bellingham represent the core of Real Madrid’s galáctico project under Florentino Pérez. The trio’s combined talent ensures the club remains competitive on all fronts. As Vinícius leads the way in contract renegotiations, Real Madrid’s ability to retain their star players while navigating a competitive financial landscape will shape their future.