Vinícius Jr.'s inner circle believes it's time to make a bold move. Vinícius has won almost everything with Real Madrid, but now he's looking for something more: to be the face of the project.
This is a logical step, considering that neither Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, nor Luka Modric are there anymore. However, what might seem like a natural evolution has turned into a dangerous maneuver.
Those closest to him say that Vini wants to feel valued as number one. He's asking for a contract improvement with a loyalty bonus included, close to €20 million.
He also wants the club to make it clear publicly that his hierarchy is above Kylian Mbappé's. The Brazilian, with a strong personality and a circle convinced of his status, believes it's time to assert himself.
Mbappé's signing has changed everything
The problem for Vinícius is that the landscape has changed radically. Mbappé's arrival has shaken up all the hierarchies in the locker room. In the offices at Valdebebas, they value the Brazilian, but they no longer consider him untouchable.
The Frenchman earns more, has more media power, and in marketing terms, is the top-selling name.
Vini's intention is to defend his ground, but some believe he's making a strategic mistake. Especially within the media-connected Madridist community.
Journalist Ricardo Rosety, on El Larguero, issued a very clear warning: "Going up against Florentino Pérez isn't good business. We already saw what happened with Ramos, with Özil, with Di María..."
Alkorta sends a poisoned message
He hasn't been the only one. Former Real Madrid footballer and regular commentator on SER, Rafa Alkorta, has also thrown a pointed remark with a specific name:
"Trying to pressure Florentino Pérez can go wrong. There are many examples. At Madrid you can't act like a star if you're not willing to lower your ego."
That message hasn't gone unnoticed. In the halls of Valdebebas, they don't like it when bonuses or contracts are discussed in the media. Even less so when Florentino feels publicly questioned.
Madrid doesn't rule out taking action
At the club, there's already a certain weariness with the player's entourage's moves. In recent months, several strategically leaked reports have surfaced, related to his salary, his role on the team, and his supposed discomfort over Mbappé's signing.
Florentino, who renewed Vini in 2022, believes it's not the time to reopen that debate.
If the pressure continues, a drastic measure isn't ruled out. Freezing negotiations and putting the player on the market in 2026, when only one year remains on his contract.
It would be a tough decision, but not the first. At Madrid, there's a guiding principle: the club is above any player, no matter how good they are.