Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. has been offered a lucrative deal worth more than $1 billion to play in Saudi Arabia, as reported by multiple sources. The offer includes a five-year contract valued at around 200 million euros per season, along with bonuses, to join the Saudi Pro League (SPL). Additionally, there is a separate 10-year contract on the table for Vinícius to serve as an ambassador leading up to the 2034 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia.
Vinícius, who joined Real Madrid from Brazilian club Flamengo in 2018, is currently considering the proposal with his team and has not yet ruled out the possibility of leaving the Spanish capital. The 24-year-old forward has been a key player for Real Madrid, contributing significantly to the team's success in recent seasons. In the previous season, Vinícius scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 matches, helping Real Madrid secure both the Champions League and La Liga titles.
If Vinícius decides to make the move to Saudi Arabia, he would potentially become one of the most prominent soccer players in the country. While other global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema currently play in the SPL, Vinícius would bring his talent at a younger age, with his peak years still ahead of him.
Notably, French striker Kylian Mbappé reportedly turned down a $775 million salary offer to join Saudi club Al-Hilal last year. The SPL's four founding teams – Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr – are predominantly owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the nation's sovereign wealth fund.
