FIFA Best Award winner Vinicius Junior aims to stay at Real Madrid

He became the third Real Madrid player to achieve this honour, joining the ranks of Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo.

During the ceremony in Doha, Vinicius reiterated his long-term commitment to Real Madrid, declaring his intent to remain at the club for many years.

This comes amidst persistent media speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia, with rumours suggesting an extraordinary €1 billion contract and a €300-400 million transfer fee. However, the Brazilian has consistently dismissed these claims.

Despite the ongoing chatter, Real Madrid have firmly hinted that they have no plans to sell their rising star, who remains a crucial part of their future.

Contract discussions are slated for 2025, and the club appears focused on retaining Vinicius as their mainstay.

In Madrid-based media, Kylian Mbappe has been floated as a potential replacement should Vinicius leave.

Still, Vinicius' clear statements on stage in Doha and Real Madrid's confidence in their prized player seem to quell these rumours for now.

"It seemed impossible to get to this point when I was a kid. I was a boy who played bare-foot in the streets of Sao Goncalo between poverty and crime as a child and being able to get to this point is very important for me," he said after receiving the award.

"I want to thank everyone for the award. I want to continue playing for Real Madrid for a long time, and I also want to thank Flamengo, where I started.

"I thank the boss, Carlo Ancelotti, for always believing in me, Jose Angel Sanchez and the President for bringing me to Real Madrid, and Juni Calafat, for having faith in me when I was just 16-years-old." 

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