Real Madrid and representatives for the Brazilian met on Wednesday to discuss an extension to a contract that runs out in 2027, with the club holding firm on an offer worth around €20m net per season and no signing bonus – a condition it fears would set a precedent for other players in the squad.
Vinícius wants an improved deal after establishing himself as one of the squad's most important players in recent years, and with Kylian Mbappé already on superior terms, but talks broke up without a resolution.
Hours after the meeting, Vinícius deleted every photo and his profile picture from Instagram, an account followed by close to 64 million people, wiping years of content built up during a period in which he had documented family holidays from Rio de Janeiro to Sardinia and Jamaica, including a reconciliation with his partner, fellow Brazilian Virginia.
It is not the first time he has used social media to signal his mood: fans booing him at the Bernabéu in December 2025 had previously prompted him to swap his Real Madrid photo for one in Brazil's colours, and he blanked his profile picture entirely around his birthday earlier this year.
Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation Sports and Vinícius's agent, offered his own cryptic contribution to the saga.
Having been in London days earlier – sparking speculation over a meeting with Arsenal to relay their interest in the forward – Yormark shared an image of the Castellana skyline, a short drive from the Bernabéu, posting: "Blue sky in Madrid, it's a beautiful day today."
Roc Nation also represents Yan Diomande, who is closing in on a move to Real Madrid from RB Leipzig despite the German club's forward returning to training this week – a parallel situation the club is eager to resolve quickly as it plans for next season.
With little clarity emerging from either camp, Vinícius continued training under José Mourinho on Wednesday, with this week seen as pivotal in determining whether he signs an extension or opens talks with other suitors before leaving Chamartín.