Real Madrid are reaping huge financial rewards from Vinicius Junior’s vast sponsorship portfolio, with the Brazilian having established himself as one of world football’s most marketable goldmines in recent seasons.
Daily Mail Sport reported on Saturday that Arsenal are ambitiously exploring a bombshell swoop for Vinicius Junior this summer, should he fail to agree a new contract at the Bernabeu.
The Brazilian international, who will currently be out of contract at the Bernabeu at the end of the 2027-28 season, did not show for pre-season training on Monday while his representatives hold crunch talks with Real Madrid in an attempt to strike an agreement over a new deal.
Madrid, while unwilling to put the 26-year-old on the same salary as team-mate Kylian Mbappe, will be eager to keep him on their books because of his global superstar status, underlined by an impressive list of 16 commercial partnerships.
Among players who competed at this summer’s World Cup, Vinicius Junior was second only to Neymar for the most sponsorship deals at the tournament, who boasts 20.
Content Vinicius posted on social media to promote these brands amassed well over 100 million views since his World Cup call-up, after he established himself as a poster boy for both Brazil and Real Madrid.
Since his arrival at the Bernabeu in 2018, Vinicius Junior has signed lucrative contract agreements with brands including Gatorade, Pepsi, Prada, PlayStation, UNESCO, Visa and Nike.
Real Madrid are reaping huge financial rewards from Vinicius Junior’s sponsorship portfolio
The forward has a remarkable 16 sponsorship deals with global brands including Pepsi (above)
The Real Madrid and Brazil star also boasts a sponsorship with global sports brand Nike
He is also sponsored by Boss, Clear, Omo, Rexona, Betnacional, Dubai Tourism, Havaianas, Vivo and Marriot Bonvoy – taking his commercial empire to 16 companies.
According to Spanish outlet AS, when Vinicius Junior signed his 2022 contract renewal which is set to expire in the summer of 2027, he agreed to give Real Madrid approximately 50 per cent of his image rights.
Every penny Vinicius Junior earns commercially is thus split in half and shared with the LaLiga giants, making him one of the largest goldmines in world football.
As the Spanish newspaper jokes, Vinicius Junior is effectively paying his own salary at the Bernabeu, at least until a new agreement is struck between the club and player.
The Brazilian’s commercial empire could therefore present a potential stumbling block in contract talks on Monday, and Arsenal’s bombshell interest in the forward will undoubtedly provide Vinicius Junior with suitable leverage during the negotiations.
Frederico Pena, chief executive officer of Vinicius Junior’s agency Roc Nation Sports Brazil, admitted his client has now 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.
Gatorade (left) and Prada (right) are also part of the Brazilian’s lucrative sponsorship empire
Vinicius Jnr endorsing video game juggernauts PlayStation on his his Instagram account
‘There is a structure with 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.’
His explosive talents on the football pitch may drive Real Madrid closer to trophies and titles but Vinicius Junior’s true value lies in the commercial empire he has built off it.
