Real Madrid refuse to offer Vinicius same salary as Mbappe; final proposal worth €24 million | OneFootball

According to Cadena SER, Real Madrid remain firm in their contract negotiations with Vinicius Jr. and are unwilling to make him the club’s highest-paid player, despite ongoing talks over a new deal.

The standoff has been building for more than a year. Reports dating back to 2025 indicated that the Brazilian wanted a contract comparable to Kylian Mbappe’s, while Real Madrid were determined not to break their wage structure.

Although discussions have resumed, the gap between the two sides remains significant, with Arsenal keeping a close eye on the situation.

Real Madrid increase their offer, but draw a line

Over the course of negotiations, Real Madrid have gradually improved their proposal.

Vinícius previously earned around €18 million per season under his existing contract. The club first increased its offer to €20 million, before raising it again to €22 million per year in a proposed extension running until 2031.

Real Madrid unwilling to match Vini’s earnings to that of Mbappe. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Performance-related bonuses linked to achievements such as winning the Champions League, LaLiga, or the Ballon d’Or could increase the package to approximately €24 million annually.

However, club officials have made it clear they will not go beyond those figures.

Vinicius, meanwhile, is reportedly seeking a salary of around €30 million per season, a demand Real Madrid have already rejected.

Mbappe’s salary remains untouchable

One of the club’s priorities is maintaining its internal wage hierarchy.

Real Madrid do not intend to offer Vinicius a contract that matches or exceeds Mbappe’s earnings, which is high because of the signing-on bonus he received after arriving as a free agent.

As such, the Brazilian international would continue to sit below the French forward in the club’s salary structure if he renews. That principle has remained unchanged throughout negotiations.

Personal factors also influence the situation

The contract negotiations are not solely about finances.

The report suggests that Vinicius has become frustrated with aspects of his experience in Spanish football, including criticism from sections of the media and hostile treatment from some supporters.

Still no breakthrough in talks. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

He also continues to feel strongly about the racist abuse he has faced during his time in Spain, an issue that has had a significant impact on him personally.

While those concerns do not determine the outcome of the negotiations on their own, they form part of the wider context surrounding one of the biggest contract sagas of the summer.

Negotiations continue

Despite the current impasse, both Real Madrid and Vinicius still have time to reach an agreement.

The club remain committed to extending the Brazilian’s contract, but only within their established financial framework.

Vinicius, meanwhile, must decide whether to accept those terms or continue exploring the alternatives available to him, with Arsenal remaining the most closely linked potential destination.