Real Madrid and Vinicius pause contract talks until after 2026 World Cup

Real Madrid’s contract renewal talks with Vinicius Junior have stalled and are unlikely to properly resume before the 2026 World Cup, according to a report from ESPN.

Discussions over a new deal have slowed in recent weeks, with sources indicating that while the situation could still change, there has been no meaningful progress and both parties may wait until after the tournament in North America to revisit negotiations.​

The club remains optimistic about eventually extending Vinicius’ stay, but the process has been complicated by the financial benchmark set by Kylian Mbappe’s signing bonuses, which the Brazilian is keen to match. Vinicius is understood to have a good relationship with Mbappe, yet his rapport with head coach Xabi Alonso is described as more tense, adding another layer to the context around his future. For now, his contract at the Bernabeu runs until June 2027, giving Madrid some breathing room.​

On the pitch, Vinicius continues to be one of Real Madrid’s main attacking weapons, with 5 goals in 14 La Liga matches so far in the 2025/26 season, plus additional contributions in the Champions League and other competitions that keep him among the team’s most decisive players.