While the lavish birthday party of Lamine Yamal is still causing a stir in Spain, another LaLiga star has taken center stage. This time it’s Vinícius Júnior, who celebrated his 25th birthday with a two-day party in Rio de Janeiro, sparking concern within the Real Madrid camp.

The event, which featured performances by trap and funk artists, was a large-scale production involving over 200 staff members. Strict privacy measures were enforced—guests’ phones were collected at the entrance to avoid leaks. According to journalist Leo Dias, the party's decor even included a giant figure of the player's face.

A celebration at a delicate moment

Beyond the glamour and music, the timing of the celebration raises eyebrows. Vinícius is currently under scrutiny for his inconsistent performance, and while he is under contract until 2027, Real Madrid is now reevaluating the terms of his possible renewal.

The Brazilian forward is reportedly demanding to become the highest-paid player at the club, surpassing even Kylian Mbappé, who recently joined the squad. He’s seeking a salary close to €30 million per year, a figure the Madrid board is hesitant to accept without reassessing his sporting and public impact.

Meanwhile, Vinícius Jr. continues to make headlines off the pitch. This week, he was honored by the Madame Tussauds museum, which unveiled a wax statue of him at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Sambadrome—the same venue that became symbolic after he was subjected to racist abuse by a Spanish football executive during a match in 2022. “I never imagined something like this. It looks just like me,” the Brazilian striker said at the unveiling.

Despite the recognition and his international influence, Vini’s recent personal choices may have consequences for his future at the Madrid club. The tension between his public image, on-field performance, and contract demands is casting doubt over his long-term stay with Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, all eyes are on how Vinícius Júnior will navigate this crucial stage of his career. Meanwhile, in Madrid, his party continues to raise more questions than answers.