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Chris Nee
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Real Madrid have stuck their neck out for Vinicius Jr more than once but the patience of fans and the club's hierarchy is understood to be running out.
Madrid boycotted the Ballon d'Or ceremony in protest at Vini Jr being overlooked in favour of Manchester City midfielder Rodri but the relationship between player and club has started to turn sour.
The Brazilian was booed when Real Madrid were beaten by Valencia on Saturday, a result that left Carlo Ancelotti's team four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.
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Vinicius Jr scored their goal at the Bernabeu but a lacklustre display so soon after his sometimes bizarre performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League resulted in jeers and whistles from the crowd. Valencia scored their winning goal in second-half stoppage time.
Club officials are apparently considering calling time on Vini Jr's time at Real Madrid, with reports listing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, AC Milan winger Rafael Leao and Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray among possible replacements.
If the Brazilian international does indeed leave Real Madrid, a move within Europe or to one of the Public Investment Fund-backed Saudi Pro League clubs could be followed or even challenged by the player's desire to play for one particular club elsewhere.
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Vinicius Jr was a worthy candidate in the Ballon d'Or running after leading Real Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double in 2023-24 but he has a romantic streak as well as a desire for individual accolades.
His contract with Real Madrid runs to the summer of 2027 and one thing we know for sure is that his dream club won't be paying his €1 billion release clause or competing financially with Saudi Arabia.
"I think I could stay here my whole career, but the club of my life is Flamengo,” he told L’Équipe in 2023.
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"I love life here in general, and it's going well for my family too. When my loved ones walk around, they are recognised and they wish us nothing but happiness.
"Little by little, I discovered this new life, new emotions, a fervour... Madrid is unique. Everyone around the world tells me about this club."
Despite his affection for the Spanish capital and a deteriorating love affair with its titanic football club, Vini Jr keeps Flamengo close to his heart.
The 24-year-old, born in Rio de Janeiro, played more than 50 senior games for his boyhood club and over a decade on their books before Real Madrid came calling in 2018.