Real Madrid are reaping huge financial rewards from Vinicius Junior's sponsorship portfolio, with the Brazilian forward now one of world football's most marketable players. Arsenal are exploring a move for Vinicius Junior this summer should he fail to agree a new contract at the Bernabeu, Daily Mail Sport reported on Saturday.
Vinicius Junior is out of contract at Real Madrid at the end of the 2027-28 season. The 26-year-old did not show for pre-season training on Monday while his representatives held talks with Real Madrid in an attempt to strike an agreement over a new deal.
Madrid are unwilling to put Vinicius Junior on the same salary as team-mate Kylian Mbappe, but the club will be eager to keep him because of his global superstar status, underlined by 16 commercial partnerships.
Sponsorship portfolio second only to Neymar
Among players who competed at this summer's World Cup, Vinicius Junior ranked second only to Neymar for the most sponsorship deals at the tournament. Neymar has 20 deals. Content Vinicius posted on social media to promote his brands amassed well over 100 million views since his World Cup call-up.
Since arriving at the Bernabeu in 2018, Vinicius Junior has signed deals with Gatorade, Pepsi, Prada, PlayStation, UNESCO, Visa and Nike. He is also sponsored by Boss, Clear, Omo, Rexona, Betnacional, Dubai Tourism, Havaianas, Vivo and Marriott Bonvoy, taking his commercial empire to 16 companies.
Real Madrid's cut of his image rights
According to Spanish outlet AS, when Vinicius Junior signed his 2022 contract renewal, set to expire in the summer of 2027, he agreed to give Real Madrid approximately 50 per cent of his image rights. Every penny he earns commercially is split in half and shared with the club.
AS jokes that Vinicius Junior is effectively paying his own salary at the Bernabeu, at least until a new agreement is struck. His commercial empire could present a stumbling block in contract talks, and Arsenal's interest could give him leverage during the negotiations.
Agency describes him as a business
Frederico Pena, chief executive officer of Vinicius Junior's agency Roc Nation Sports Brazil, said his client has achieved a status comparable to that of a business.
"Despite his young age, Vini is already a key player at the biggest club in the world and on the most important national team," Pena said. "He has been a champion and star player in two Champions Leagues, and is a role model of resilience and sporting success for most Brazilians. Furthermore, he doesn't shy away from important social issues, whether through his stance or his contributions to his community. All of this means that the number of brands interested in his image continues to grow."
Pena added that Vinicius Junior's operation includes a CEO, a CFO, and administrative, legal, commercial, marketing and communications departments that control everything.
"There are dozens of initiatives involving his numerous sponsors, in addition to social activities centered around his institute, which is now a global leader in innovative teaching methods for children and young people, as well as in teacher training focused on anti-racist pedagogical practices," Pena said.
