Hidden tension has begun to surface at Real Madrid, with one of the club’s biggest stars reportedly considering a shocking departure that could trigger a major crisis at the Bernabéu.

According to reports from Spain, Vinícius Júnior has stepped back from a previous “gentleman’s agreement” with the club to extend his contract. Instead, he is now said to be contemplating running down his deal until January 2027, which would allow him to leave as a free agent without Madrid receiving any compensation.

The situation has been described as a behind-the-scenes “cold war.” At the heart of the dispute is Vinícius’s demand for a salary comparable to teammate Kylian Mbappé, who earns around €35 million per year. Real Madrid, however, remain firm at €20 million annually and have no plans to increase that figure.

The tension has reportedly frustrated the club’s hierarchy, who feel the Brazilian has shown little appreciation for the support he has received over the years. One example often cited internally is his decision to skip the Ballon d’Or ceremony to avoid potential backlash — a move that the club quietly backed.

If Vinícius maintains his stance, he would be free to negotiate with other clubs from January 2027, opening the door to a massive signing bonus regardless of whether he eventually stays or departs. Madrid, unwilling to risk losing such a valuable player for free, have set a deadline: summer 2026. If no renewal is agreed by then, they may be forced to sell him.

Vinícius joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2017 for €45 million and has since become one of the club’s leading figures. Across 323 appearances, he has scored 106 goals and collected 14 trophies, including two Champions League titles and three La Liga championships.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Real Madrid can resolve the dispute and secure the long-term future of one of their brightest stars — or whether the saga ends with his departure.