Vinícius extends Madrid stay

MADRID (AP):

Brazil star Vinícius Júnior has signed a contract extension with Real Madrid, committing to the Spanish giants through June 2032, the club announced yesterday.

The 26-year-old winger had entered the final year of his deal and was reportedly attracting interest from English Premier League champions Arsenal.

Since joining Madrid at 18, Vinícius has scored 128 goals in 375 matches and helped secure 14 titles, including three La Liga crowns and two Champions League trophies.

“Vinicius Jr has become one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in our history,” the club said in its statement.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but Vinícius celebrated the deal on Instagram: “Eight years at the Bernabeu are too few ... six more years, and forever!”

Los Blancos enter the 2026-27 season under new coach José Mourinho, returning for a second stint, with fans eager for renewed success. Madrid have gone two years without a major trophy despite the presence of superstar striker Kylian Mbappé. Last season saw two coaching changes, with Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa both taking charge.

The record 15-time European Cup winners have watched Paris Saint-Germain claim back-to-back Champions League titles while finishing runners-up to fierce rivals Barcelona in La Liga for the past two seasons.

Earlier yesterday, Madrid also confirmed the signing of 19-year-old Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomande from Leipzig on a seven-year contract.