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- Vinícius Jr. Celebrates His Birthday in the Midst of a Pending Renewal With Real Madrid and a Drop in Level Far From the Ballon D’or
Vinícius Jr. Celebrates His Birthday in the Midst of a Pending Renewal With Real Madrid and a Drop in Level Far From the Ballon D’or
Vinícius Júnior turns 25 in the midst of an unusual scenario: he's one of the most valuable players in the world, a two-time Champions League winner, and the current FIFA The Best. Yet, his recent performances raise more questions than answers. Seven years after his high-profile transfer from Flamengo to Real Madrid, the Brazilian star is going through one of the least dazzling stretches of his career.
A noticeable drop in form
His recent showing at the Club World Cup clearly reflected his current struggles. Aside from one solid performance against Salzburg, Vinicius failed to make a significant impact. His much-anticipated connection with Kylian Mbappé is still missing, and his dip in form is evident. What once looked like a limitless future now calls for pause and recalibration.
A massive renewal... still unsigned
From a contractual standpoint, things remain up in the air. Although Vinicius is tied to the club until 2027, there’s a verbal agreement in place to extend his deal until 2030, along with a substantial pay raise that would make him the highest-paid player in the squad. However, the deal has yet to be officially signed, and until that happens, everything remains speculation.
The forward is currently in the United States, enjoying his vacation with a mix of NBA action and brand commitments with Nike. He is also set to reunite with teammate Eduardo Camavinga, who has also extended his stay abroad. While the contract extension is expected to be finalized upon his return to Madrid, the ongoing silence is beginning to stir concern.
The talent is undeniable, but the present demands more
With a market value of $200 million, Vinicius remains a top-tier asset for Real Madrid. Still, fans and the club alike are expecting more than numbers they want performance. In a club where excellence is non-negotiable, current form speaks louder than potential or salary.
There's no doubt that Vinícius Jr. is a world-class talent. But right now, his performances have dimmed. Today, however, the focus is on celebration. Happy birthday, Vini!
