Vinícius Jr. Reportedly Offered Over $1 Billion to Join Saudi Pro League
In a stunning development in the world of soccer, Real Madrid’s star forward Vinícius Jr. has reportedly been offered a deal worth more than $1 billion to move to Saudi Arabia. According to multiple sources, including Reuters and ESPN, the Brazilian player was approached by Saudi officials with a proposal that could make him one of the highest-paid athletes in history.
The Lucrative Offer
Vinícius Jr., who has been a key player for Real Madrid since joining from Flamengo in 2018, is reportedly considering a five-year contract that would pay him approximately 200 million euros ($218 million) per season, along with additional bonuses. This eye-watering deal is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to bring top global talent to the Saudi Pro League (SPL).
Beyond the five-year playing contract, the offer also includes a 10-year agreement for Vinícius to serve as an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup, which is set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia. This element of the deal underscores the kingdom’s ambitions to elevate its profile on the global sports stage.
Vinícius Jr.’s Decision
As of now, Vinícius Jr. has not rejected the offer outright. Reports indicate that he and his team are carefully evalu
ating the proposal. The 24-year-old forward had an outstanding season with Real Madrid, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 matches, contributing to the club’s victories in both the Champions League and La Liga.
A move to the SPL would place Vinícius among other soccer luminaries like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, who have already made the switch to the Saudi league. However, unlike these players, Vinícius is still in the prime of his career, which adds a unique dimension to this potential transfer.
Young Star
If Vinícius accepts the offer, he would become one of the most high-profile players to join the Saudi Pro League at such a young age. This move could also influence other young talents to consider similar offers, further enhancing the SPL’s competitiveness on the global stage.
This development comes just a year after French striker Kylian Mbappé reportedly turned down a $775 million offer to join Al-Hilal, one of the top clubs in Saudi Arabia. The SPL’s four founding teams, including Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr, are predominantly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, reflecting the nation’s serious investment in building a world-class soccer league.