Vinicius pays his own salary

Everything points toward Vinícius Júnior signing a new contract with Real Madrid, the club that signed him from Flamengo in the summer of 2017 for €45 million.

It has turned out to be one of the best transfers of the modern era.

Nine years later, the Brazilian has made 375 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 128 goals and providing 85 assists. Beyond the numbers, he has played a decisive role in the club’s recent success, including helping win two UEFA Champions League titles.

But Vinícius’ value extends far beyond what he does on the field.

He is one of the biggest commercial stars in world soccer. The face of Brazil’s national team both on and off the field, and one of Real Madrid’s most marketable players, Vinícius has become a major source of revenue through image rights.

Following the contract renewal he signed in 2022, Real Madrid now owns roughly 50% of his commercial image rights.

That means that in many ways Vinícius generates enough commercial income to cover the cost of his own salary.

Sixteen World Cup sponsors

Vinícius was one of the most heavily sponsored players at the recent FIFA World Cup, working with 16 different brands, second only to Neymar, who had 20.

Most of those partnerships are with major international companies.

During the tournament alone, promotional content featuring Vinícius for his sponsors generated more than 100 million views.

Still only 25 years old, the Real Madrid star has endorsement deals with Clear, Omo, Gatorade, Rexona, PlayStation, Pepsi, Betnacional, Vivo, Prada Eyewear, Dubai Tourism, Boss Fragrances, UNESCO, Nike, Havaianas, Visa and Marriott Bonvoy.

Vinicius is managed like a corporation

According to Frederico Pena, CEO of Roc Nation Sports Brazil, the agency that represents Vinícius, the forward has reached a level where his career operates much like a major business.

“Despite his young age, Vinícius has already established himself at the biggest club in the world and with the most successful national team in soccer,” Pena said.

“He has been a champion and a leading player in two Champions League-winning teams, and he has become a symbol of resilience and sporting success for many Brazilians.

“He’s also willing to speak out on important social issues, both through his public stance and through the work he does in his community. That’s why more and more brands want to be associated with him.”

Pena revealed that Vinícius now has an organizational structure comparable to that of a company.

“There is a chief executive officer, a chief financial officer, along with administrative, legal, commercial, marketing and communications departments overseeing every aspect of his business.

“There are dozens of projects involving his sponsors, in addition to social initiatives through his institute, which has become a global reference point for innovation in education for children and young people, as well as teacher training focused on anti-racist educational practices.”

Vinicius: More than just a soccer star

Industry experts believe Vinícius’ appeal to global brands is driven not only by his performances for Real Madrid and Brazil, but also by his outspoken stance against racism.

His willingness to confront discrimination publicly has strengthened his reputation and made him an increasingly attractive ambassador for multinational companies looking for influential voices beyond sports.

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