The Saudi Pro League’s ambition to become a leading destination for world-class football talent continues to grow, and one of their key targets remains Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian forward at Real Madrid. Despite his significant contributions to one of the biggest clubs in the world, there are reports indicating that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is still keen on signing the 24-year-old. Vinicius’ stellar performances, which have made him one of the best forwards in world football, have caught the eye of the cash-rich league, which is eager to add more top-tier talent to its ranks.
Vinicius Junior, who finished as the runner-up to Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting, has been one of the standout performers at Real Madrid, earning significant recognition globally. His achievements in recent seasons, including winning major individual awards such as the FIFA Men’s Player Award, have further cemented his status as one of the most promising players in world football. As speculation around his future grows, the Saudi Pro League, known for its aggressive pursuit of high-profile names, remains determined to bring him to the Middle East, though Real Madrid is equally committed to keeping him at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Vinicius Junior: A Star on the Rise
Vinicius Junior’s rise to prominence in world football has been nothing short of extraordinary. After joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, the Brazilian forward initially struggled to adjust to the demands of European football. However, over the last few seasons, Vinicius has transformed into one of the most lethal wingers in world football, earning accolades and recognition for his performances on the pitch.
The 24-year-old finished second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting behind Manchester City’s Rodri, a result that many believe did not do justice to Vinicius’ incredible season. His contributions to Real Madrid’s success were immense, with Vinicius playing a central role in the club’s remarkable achievements. In particular, his standout performances in the UEFA Champions League helped propel Madrid to a record-extending 15th European title, further enhancing his reputation as a player capable of delivering on the biggest stages.
In addition to his success in Europe, Vinicius also played a pivotal role in securing Real Madrid’s 36th La Liga title. His 15 goals in the league were instrumental in the club’s dominance, as they held off fierce competition from Barcelona. With such impressive statistics and performances, Vinicius’ value to Real Madrid cannot be overstated. He has become an irreplaceable figure at the Santiago Bernabéu and is considered a cornerstone of the club’s future.
Saudi Pro League’s Continued Interest in Vinicius Junior
The Saudi Pro League has emerged as a major player in the global football landscape, with a surge of investment and an increasing desire to sign high-profile players. The league’s ambitions were clearly visible in the summer of 2023, as several top-tier footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante, made the move to Saudi Arabia. The acquisition of these stars marked the beginning of the country’s long-term strategy to elevate its footballing reputation, and the Saudi Pro League is not slowing down in its pursuit of global talent.
Vinicius Junior has been one of the league’s primary targets, with multiple reports suggesting that the Saudi Arabian authorities and clubs, particularly those backed by the Public Investment Fund, have continued to show strong interest in securing his signature. In the summer of 2023, Al Ahli, one of the prominent Saudi clubs, was reportedly keen on signing Vinicius. The club’s director, Khaled Al Issa, confirmed that they had shown interest in the Brazilian forward after selling Allan Saint-Maximin to Fenerbahce. However, according to Al Issa, “something unexpected happened” during negotiations, which led them to pursue a deal for Ivan Toney of Brentford instead.
Despite this setback, reports have indicated that the Saudi Pro League has renewed its focus on Vinicius Junior. ESPN has confirmed that in December 2024, contact was re-established with the player’s representatives, signaling that the Saudi authorities continue to view him as one of their top priorities. The interest is not only driven by the desire to bolster the league’s reputation but also by the financial resources at the disposal of clubs like Al Ahli and Al Nassr, who are keen to bring in marquee players to complement their already star-studded rosters.
Real Madrid’s Stance on Vinicius’ Future
Real Madrid, for their part, remains steadfast in their determination to keep Vinicius Junior at the club. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has consistently stated that the Brazilian is a vital part of the team’s project moving forward, and the club has shown no signs of entertaining offers for the player. Following the resurgence of rumors linking Vinicius to a move to the Saudi Pro League, Ancelotti dismissed any speculation regarding the player’s potential departure.
“There isn’t anything at all,” Ancelotti said, referring to the possibility of Vinicius leaving Madrid. “Of course, speculation doesn’t affect Vinicius. He’s here, he wants to be here. He wants to do his best and help Real Madrid. We have our project and we continue in that. We have a squad of great quality. We’ve lost important players and we’ve brought in others who have to adapt. We have to work to maintain the atmosphere and the commitment, which was the key last year.”
Ancelotti’s comments highlight the club’s firm stance on retaining the Brazilian winger, who is seen as one of the future stars of the team. Real Madrid’s long-term vision includes building around Vinicius, along with other emerging talents such as Jude Bellingham and, potentially, Kylian Mbappe, should the French forward make the move to Madrid in the near future.
Vinicius himself has publicly expressed his desire to stay at Real Madrid, reinforcing the idea that he is fully committed to the club and its ambitions. During his acceptance speech for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award in December 2024, Vinicius spoke of his love for Madrid and his intent to remain at the club for the foreseeable future. With his contract running until 2027, the Brazilian forward’s future at Madrid appears secure, at least for the time being.
Vinicius‘ Recent Achievements and Recognition
Vinicius Junior’s individual accolades further highlight his status as one of the top players in world football. In addition to finishing as the runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or vote, Vinicius received a consolation prize by being named the Best FIFA Men’s Player in December 2024. This prestigious award came after a remarkable season in which Vinicius excelled for Real Madrid, contributing not only with his goals but also with his assist record and overall impact on matches.
The Brazilian’s stellar performances have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his recent recognition as La Liga’s Player of the Month for November. His contributions to Real Madrid’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup success in December 2024 were also invaluable, as he helped guide the club to victory over Pachuca, winning both the Golden Ball and the Player of the Tournament awards.
Given these accomplishments, it is clear that Vinicius Junior has become a key figure in the modern era of Real Madrid. His blend of speed, technique, and finishing ability has made him a player capable of deciding the outcome of games, and he has emerged as a talisman for Los Blancos in both domestic and European competitions.
The Bigger Picture: Saudi Pro League’s Vision for the Future
The Saudi Pro League’s interest in Vinicius Junior forms part of a larger strategy to elevate the country’s footballing status on the global stage. With the help of the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia has already lured some of the biggest names in world football to its domestic league. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante have made high-profile moves to the Middle East, and the country is intent on continuing this trend.
One of the most ambitious targets for the Saudi Pro League is to secure Mohamed Salah on a free transfer in the summer of 2025, with the Egyptian superstar’s contract at Liverpool set to expire. Should they succeed in bringing in players of the caliber of Vinicius Junior and Salah, the Saudi Pro League could be poised to become one of the most competitive and attractive football leagues in the world.
While Real Madrid will likely continue to resist any overtures for Vinicius in the short term, the allure of the Saudi Pro League’s financial power could make any future transfer talks more complicated. For now, however, both the player and the club appear focused on achieving success in Europe, with Vinicius eager to continue his journey at one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs.
Conclusion
As the Saudi Pro League continues to make waves in the football world, their interest in signing Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid represents a significant statement of intent. The Brazilian forward, already regarded as one of the best in the world, is unlikely to leave Madrid in the immediate future, as both the club and the player are committed to achieving more success in Europe. However, with the Saudi Pro League’s vast financial resources and long-term plans to attract top talent, the possibility of a move in the future cannot be ruled out. For now, Vinicius Junior remains a key figure at Real Madrid, and his future is set to continue in the Spanish capital for the foreseeable future.
