Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid forward and Brazil’s national team talisman, lauded coach Carlo Ancelotti after a 5-0 friendly victory over South Korea.
Speaking after the final whistle, Vinícius said, "Ancelotti has always been the best coach I’ve worked with; he gave me complete confidence, and I delivered my best under his leadership."
He added, "Now he’s here with the national team as well; I’ve played three matches under his guidance, scoring two goals and assisting one."
He continued, "The 5-0 win over South Korea gives the whole squad a huge confidence boost ahead of the 2026 World Cup, so we must prepare as quickly as possible—the clock is ticking."
He concluded, "We want to keep this approach to deliver a wonderful World Cup, with smart pressure and better defense to win matches."
Brazil were set to face Japan next Tuesday in a friendly as part of their World Cup prep.
Saudi Interest and Al Ahli Reports
Meanwhile, the transfer chatter intensified after the Andikalia network claimed Al-Ahli Jeddah had begun direct talks with Real Madrid to sign Vinícius in the upcoming window. The report described a hefty offer around 300 million pounds, a figure described as unprecedented in Saudi football history.
Although there was no official confirmation, the story sparked wide debate, given the potential record-breaking nature of the bid and what it would mean for Saudi clubs’ ambitions in the global market.
Madrid’s Contract Talks and the Future Ahead
The speculation comes as renewal talks at Real Madrid intensify. AS suggested Vinícius is seeking an annual salary rise to 20 million euros from 15, but the club has not yet agreed. His contract runs until June 2027, yet Madrid reportedly weighs selling him in the summer of 2026 to avoid losing him for nothing, a move they view as financially prudent.
On the other side, Vinícius has made clear his desire to stay if the deal better reflects his status as a core starter and attacking pillar in recent seasons.
Performance, Pressure and Tactical Fit
Despite recent off-field storms and a crowded attacking lineup after the arrival of other stars, Vinícius has maintained a high level this season. He has five goals and four assists in the first eight league games, earning multiple Man of the Match honors and underscoring his essential role.
However, his strong form hasn’t shielded him from tactical tensions with coach Carlo Ancelotti, who reportedly asked him to assume greater defensive duties than usual, leading to bench time on several occasions and some frustration for the Brazilian attacker.
His ability to adapt to these new demands may prove decisive for his Real Madrid future.
From Flamengo to Real Madrid: A Rising Trajectory
Vinícius arrived in Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 for 45 million euros, a hefty sum for a young talent. Though his early years bore some inconsistency and criticism for missed chances, he gradually matured under Ancelotti and emerged as one of Real Madrid’s foremost stars.
He helped Real Madrid secure multiple domestic and continental titles, most notably the 2022 Champions League, where he scored the decisive goal in the final against Liverpool. He repeated his late-game heroics in 2024 with another decisive strike against Borussia Dortmund.
Ultimately, Vinícius’s future remains open to a range of possibilities: potential record bids from Saudi clubs, Madrid’s financial expectations, and the player’s own wish to be properly valued for his contributions.
Between the denial by Al Hilal and the rumored Al Ahli bid, Vinícius remains a focal point of the upcoming transfer window.
