Bap speaks out on Flamengo’s interest in Real Madrid’s Vini Jr

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·10 February 2026

Bap speaks out on Flamengo’s interest in Real Madrid’s Vini Jr

Vinicius Júnior graduated from Flamengo's youth academy

The return of Lucas Paquetá to Flamengo has rekindled the hopes of part of the red-and-black fanbase regarding the return of Vinicius Júnior. However, president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, assures that bringing back Real Madrid’s (ESP) number 7 is not an option at the moment.

The thing is, Vinicius Júnior played with Paquetá at Flamengo for a period. I think it was in 2016 or 2017. They played together in the youth teams and in the professional squad. They played together on the main team for six months. They have a great personal relationship. They are friends, both are players who came from Flamengo, met here, and even share the same agency, Roc Nation Sports Brasil. There is a big difference between where Lucas Paquetá is at this stage of life and where Vinicius Júnior is. Paquetá has someone waiting for him at home every day; he has a family. Vini doesn’t have anyone waiting for him at home. They are different situations. Vini is not an option for Flamengo. I am sure that, if there were a transfer involving Vinicius Júnior, it would be a transfer with a salary, today, far above what we are considering for Paquetá. That possibility does not exist. Not yet. Flamengo still can’t do that,” said Bap, in an interview with ‘Diario AS’, from Spain.

Did Boto ‘predict’ the signing of Vinicius Júnior?

During Lucas Paquetá’s presentation press conference, José Boto joked with the player’s staff, who also represent Vinicius Júnior. Although the forward has a contract with Real Madrid until mid-2027, Bap reaffirmed that Flamengo still cannot bring back the number 7.

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“Yes, but Vinicius Júnior wants to stay in Europe. It’s a different moment, as we were discussing, regarding the current situation of each player. Whether it’s Vini’s wish or due to financial matters involved, that’s something for the fans to imagine,” he added, before concluding:

“That’s the reality. Vinicius is always welcome. When he comes to Brazil, he goes to Maracanã, visits the Flamengo stands, has friends at home. We want Vini, but he’s still out of Flamengo’s reach. Not yet,” concluded Bap, the red-and-black president.

What is Vini Jr’s situation at Real Madrid?

One of the main names in world football, Vini Jr has a contract with Real Madrid until June 2027 and is in talks to extend the deal. Thus, starting in January of next year, the forward will be able to sign a pre-contract with any team, including Flamengo.

What are Vini Jr’s numbers in the 2025/26 season?

Under the command of Álvaro Arbeloa, Vinicius Júnior is trying to regain his best form in the 2025/26 season. So far this year, the forward has played 33 matches, scored eight goals, and provided 11 assists to his teammates.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.