Real Madrid turns to Ronaldo as Vinicius renewal stalls

While the FIFA World Cup showcases stars such as Lionel Messi for Argentina, Kylian Mbappe for France and Jude Bellingham for England, Brazil’s Vinicius Jr. has emerged as the tournament’s breakout performer. Back in Madrid, that surge has intensified Real Madrid’s urgency to resolve the stalled renewal of the winger.

The impasse stems from a disagreement over wages, which Florentino Perez, the club president, says has prevented an agreement for months. Perez has grown restless as the contract deadline approaches.

To break the deadlock, Perez has enlisted former Real Madrid legends Roberto Carlos and Santiago Solari to persuade Vinicius Jr. to stay. Both former players have been approached to use their influence with the Brazilian winger.

Perez’s next move is to involve Ronaldo Nazario, the former club great, as his trump card. He hopes Ronaldo’s personal appeal can tip the balance in favour of a new deal.

Ronaldo is not expected to sit at the negotiation table, but his mediation could prove decisive. The former striker’s involvement underscores the club’s determination to keep the talent.

Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr. both wish to continue their partnership, yet the club’s reluctance to match the wages Mbappe receives is identified as the core of the rift. The wage gap has become the primary obstacle to a renewal.

Both sides have agreed to restart talks after the FIFA World Cup, aiming to reach an accord. Perez, however, keeps the option of selling the player open if negotiations fail.

He has stated he will not allow Vinicius Jr. to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer, preferring a summer sale for a lavish sum. The contrast between the World Cup’s celebratory stage and the behind‑the‑scenes renewal battle reveals how on‑field success can quickly translate into off‑field pressure, and the next steps will unfold once the tournament concludes.