Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham all receive attractive pay packages, but there is now clearly one biggest earner.
The best are on the field… and on the payroll. Vinícius Jr., currently the best footballer in the world, has consolidated his position both in terms of play and as the highest earner at Real Madrid.
After being named FIFA's Best Men's Player at a prestigious ceremony in Qatar – where votes from captains, coaches, journalists and fans from more than 200 FIFA member associations decided the winner – the Brazilian winger's achievements are now unparalleled within the club. According to sources close to the negotiations, the award led to a bonus clause that places Vinicius' annual net salary at €20 million for the final two years of his current contract.
A smart contract for Vinicius pays off
When Vinícius extended his contract with Real Madrid in 2022, his agent, Frederico Pena, negotiated a progressive structure. Initially set at an average of €15 million net per year over five seasons (2022-2027), the deal includes performance-based incentives. Winning FIFA's The Best or finishing in the top three of the Ballon d'Or increases his salary significantly.
Vinicius' financial trajectory reflects his rising star. When he first joined Real Madrid from Flamengo as an 18-year-old, his earnings were largely dependent on his playing time and performances. By 2022, his base salary had grown annually to €4.7 million net. After the extension, that figure rose to €15 million, with his current €20 million making him the highest-paid player in Real Madrid's line-up.
Future negotiations: challenges and opportunities for Real Madrid and Vinicius
Real Madrid face a crucial summer as they prepare to renegotiate Vinicius' contract. Despite significant interest from Saudi Arabia, where lucrative offers await, Vinicius has consistently expressed his loyalty to Real Madrid. His party cry: “Eu aqui!” (“I'm here!”), underscoring his commitment to staying with the club he dreamed of representing as a child.
Complicating matters, however, are the club's balancing acts with other star players. Kylian Mbappé, who joined Madrid on a free transfer, earns a base salary similar to Vinicius' but reportedly received a signing bonus of €20 million spread over five years. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, whose breakout season saw him score 23 goals, is also set for a pay rise to join Madrid's top earners. With all three players under contract until at least 2027 (Mbappé and Bellingham's deals run until 2029), managing their salaries will be crucial to maintaining squad harmony.
The way forward for Real Madrid's crown jewels
Vinícius, Mbappé and Bellingham represent the core of Real Madrid's galáctico project under Florentino Pérez. The combined talent of the trio ensures that the club remains competitive on all fronts. While Vinícius takes the lead on contract renegotiations, Real Madrid's ability to retain their star players while navigating a competitive financial landscape will determine their future.
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