Brazilian football star Vinicius Jr unvieled his wax statue at the iconic Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro. The tribute, celebrating his impact on both Brazilian and international football, will remain at the site for a few days before being relocated to Madame Tussauds museum in New York City.
The Real Madrid and Brazil winger has been immortalised at the world-famous Madame Tussauds museum, joining the ranks of football greats such as Pele and Lionel Messi. The wax figure features Vinícius in Brazil’s classic yellow “Canarinha” jersey, symbolising his contributions to the national team.
Contract Tensions at Real Madrid
Despite the celebratory tributes, Vinícius Jr is facing a period of uncertainty at the club level. His recent inconsistent performances have led Real Madrid to reconsider the terms of his potential contract renewal. Though he remains under contract until 2027, Vinícius is reportedly demanding to become the highest-paid player at the club, requesting a salary near €30 million per year, a figure that would eclipse newly signed superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Club president Florentino Perez is reportedly reluctant to meet these demands, concerned it could disrupt the team’s wage structure and lead to similar requests from other top earners.
Potential Exit on the Horizon
As part of a wider reassessment following a summer of heavy spending, Real Madrid is now considering offloading one of their Brazilian forwards—either Vinícius Jr. or Rodrygo. While Rodrygo is contracted until 2028 and has a €100 million price tag, Vinícius’ recent dip in form makes him the more likely candidate for a sale.
As the forward basks in global recognition, his future at the Santiago Bernabéu remains uncertain, with Real Madrid facing a pivotal decision in the weeks ahead
