Vinicius weathers the storm to become a Real Madrid star
Vinicius is already the player that some at Real Madrid thought they saw when they dared to sign a 17-year-old, especially Juni Calafat
Nothing has been able to stop Vinicius Junior from succeeding at Real Madrid.
Not the tough period of adaptation in Segunda B, the injury he suffered when he was at his best under Santiago Solari, the subsequent lack of confidence that Zinedine Zidane had in him, nor the persistent rumours of Kylian Mbappe's arrival.
Nothing mattered to Vinicius. He has overcome all these difficulties and now stands on the verge of a huge contract extension.
Carlo Ancelotti has been a decisive figure in the Brazilian's development. As soon as he returned to Valdebebas, Ancelotti referenced the Brazilian as a star. The Italian gave him his confidence and set Vinicius the target of 25 goals.
Vinicius ended the season with 22 goals and 16 assists, but the last goal he scored won Real Madrid the Champions League. Carletto's motivation worked.
The player and his coach had a very special relationship during their first season together. Apart from dances, hugs and photos of successes, the bond was there from day one. There was trust, a lot of trust.
Even during those months when Mbappe looked like he was going to be a Real Madrid player, Vinicius' message was clear: "We'll have to find a place for him. The left flank is occupied," the forward repeated with laughter and confidence.
Mbappe's decision to stay at Paris Saint-Germain has raised the status of the players who took Real Madrid to the top. Vinicius knows it and he is now the star alongside Karim Benzema.
Vinicius is already the player that some at Real Madrid thought they saw when they dared to sign a 17-year-old, especially Juni Calafat.
Vinicius has not had it easy and nobody has given him anything, neither during his early days in Brazil, nor in his first years at Real Madrid.
Next week he will sign a big contract that he has earned, through his football and personality. It will have a one billion euro release clause, but above all a salary that recognises his worth.
As MARCA reported, Vinicius will sign until 2027, heading the trilogy of renewals that will be completed by Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao.
The three Brazilians have become key players in the recent past, but they will be even more important in Real Madrid's future.
