Vinicius sparks debate

The Santiago Bernabéu made its feelings known last Tuesday. Sections of the crowd, worn down by a trophyless finish, turned their frustration on several players – most notably Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian apologized after scoring a stunning goal against Alavés, but unease remains inside the club over the situation surrounding one of its marquee figures. As previously reported, Florentino Pérez is firmly intent on renewing his contract and keeping him alongside Kylian Mbappé as pillars of the next project.

Yet the loud jeers could return – and even intensify – on May 14 against Oviedo if upcoming trips to face Real Betis, Espanyol, and Barcelona end poorly. That possibility has sparked both internal debate at Valdebebas and wider discussion among the fan base, one the club can no longer ignore.

The decision ultimately rests with the player, whose contract runs through June 30, 2027. If he does not renew, he would be free to negotiate with any club starting January 1, potentially securing a substantial signing bonus. Still, Vinicius Jr. remains grateful to Real Madrid, which committed roughly $49 million (€45 million) to sign him from Flamengo when he was just 16. In an apparent attempt to quiet speculation, he posted a late-night image on social media of himself kissing the club crest. The No. 7 is eager to avoid further confrontation.

Veteran voices weigh in on Vinicius debate

To gauge the depth of the emotional divide, several former Real Madrid players shared their perspectives.

Luis Milla, who played for the club between 1990 and 1997, sees both sides. “It’s normal for the crowd to be upset. The season hasn’t been good and expectations here are always sky-high,” he said. “If the club believes it should renew him, we know he’s a great player. If it decides to sell him, we shouldn’t forget he has already paid back his cost with success and glory.” Milla also pointed to structural issues, suggesting the team needs two top midfielders and a true center forward, even proposing that Mbappé take over the left flank.

Emilio Amavisca, a winger from 1994 to 1999, believes the priority lies elsewhere. “The first thing is to find a coach and define a style of play,” he said. “Madrid hasn’t known how it wants to play for two years.” While he downplayed the latest boos, he acknowledged frustration with Vinicius Jr.’s behavior and suggested that, if sold, renewing him first would strengthen the club’s negotiating position.

Edwin Congo, who had a brief stint at the club, took a firm stance. “I would never sell Vinicius. He’s a difference-maker with qualities no one else has,” he said, urging fans to recognize his contributions in two Champions League triumphs.

Paco Pineda offered a more nuanced critique, arguing that elite players often drift toward individualism. “If they put their talent at the service of the team, everyone improves,” he said, adding that the Brazilian should be more mindful of his on-field gestures.

Fernando Sanz framed renewal as a strategic move rather than a long-term commitment. “You keep him because he’s a great player, but this isn’t fixed by a new contract,” he said. “It’s fixed by returning to the level he showed in the past.”

Adolfo Aldana went further, suggesting the optimal moment to sell may have already passed. “After missing out on the Ballon d’Or, that might have been the time to move him on at his peak,” he argued, criticizing inconsistency and temperament while calling for a squad overhaul.

With six league games remaining, the situation remains volatile. The tension could fade – or flare up again. Vinicius Jr.: stay or go, renew or sell, or perhaps both. The debate is far from settled.

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