Vinicius Junior has confirmed plans to extend a contract with Real Madrid when negotiations open, stressing a wish to stay at the club for many years as form peaks again before the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich and questions about long-term plans return.

The Brazil international has produced a strong surge in 2026, scoring 12 goals in 20 matches across all competitions, the joint-highest LaLiga tally this calendar year alongside Raphinha, while also thriving since Alvaro Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso as head coach.

“Let’s hope I can stay here for a long time, Vincius told reporterswhen asked about his contract situation ahead of their Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich. I still have a year left, we’re calm. I have the confidence of the president [Florentino Perez], and we’re calm about what we want. At the right time, we’ll do the renewal, and I’ll be here a long time. It’s the club of my dreams. I’m happy here, and I want to be here for many years.”

Vinicius Junior’s current deal is scheduled to run until June 2027, yet both Real Madrid and the player appear relaxed about timing, with Florentino Perez’s backing highlighted as key reassurance, especially as form and position in the squad have shifted between Alonso’s tenure and Arbeloa’s stewardship.

Since the FIFA Club World Cup, Vinicius has supplied 26 goal contributions for Los Blancos, a figure bettered only by Kylian Mbappe’s 43 in the same period, underlining how influence in the final third has grown again after a difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign under previous management.

Those recent numbers contrast with Vinicius Junior’s output during Alonso’s spell, when the forward recorded seven goals and eight assists from 33 appearances in all competitions, starting 29 times but losing status as an automatic starter and even facing whistles from sections of the fanbase following Alonso’s dismissal amid reports of dressing-room unhappiness with the former Bayer Leverkusen coach.

Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius Junior has remained central to a squad that collected 14 major trophies, including two Champions League titles, while no LaLiga player in that period has completed more dribbles or created more chances.

Only Karim Benzema has registered more direct goal contributions for Real Madrid during those years, with Vinicius leading LaLiga across that span for completed dribbles, at 905, and chances created, at 575, figures that underline influence in build-up play beyond finishing.

The winger’s resurgence has also been underlined off the pitch, with club media highlighting close relationships inside the dressing room, including high-profile team-mates, while Real Madrid have showcased Vinicius Junior frequently in content shared with supporters worldwide.

Vinicius Junior Real Madrid contract, coaching changes and adaptation

“It was a difficult moment, Vinicius added. We played a lot of games, but I got a few minutes. Each coach has his own methods; I couldn’t connect with what [Alonso] wanted. It was a moment for learning, I learnt a lot, the players helped me a lot. I could reflect a lot, improve as a person, and I have a fantastic connection with Arbeloa.”

Under Arbeloa, Vinicius Junior has again become a central attacking figure, combining more effectively with the squad while lifting numbers in front of goal, and that renewed influence arrives at an important stage with Bayern Munich next and a contract extension widely expected rather than debated inside Real Madrid.