Vinicius Jnr has been spotted in Dubai, just hours after he was booed by Real Madrid fans.
The Brazilian superstar has endured a mixed season at the Bernabeu, as speculation persists about his future and relationship with Real boss Xabi Alonso.
Vinicius is no longer the indispensable player he once was for the Spanish giants – and he has scored just five goals and added eight assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.
He is yet to pen a new deal in Madrid and on Saturday night during Real’s 2-0 win over Sevilla, Vinicius was loudly whistled by his own fans as he was substituted late on. The forward failed to acknowledge supporters as he walked off the pitch.
And on Sunday morning, Vinicius shared a post on his Instagram story from Dubai on a trip that is said to be part of Real’s partnership with Visit Dubai, the official tourism guide to the city’s attractions.
Posting a snap of what appeared to be a private jet in the Dubai sunshine, Vinicius added: ‘We are here again… @visit.dubai.’
Vinicius Jnr has been spotted in Dubai, just hours after he was booed by Real Madrid fans
The Brazilian forward was booed by his own supporters during Real’s 2-0 win over Sevilla
A report in Marca suggested Vinicius was in the UAE to record various pieces of content for Visit Dubai’s social media channels, where they shine on the light on the city’s best sights and places to visit.
Vinicius and several of his team-mates, including Jude Bellingham, have done similar trips previously.
However, Vinicius’ presence in the UAE so soon after he was booed by his own fans raised further eyebrows after a mixed performance in the Sevilla victory.
This was only added to by the cryptic social media update the 25-year-old made on his Instagram account in the aftermath of the game.
He replaced his profile picture of himself in a Real Madrid shirt with one playing for Brazil, before he added three dots to his profile.
Real aren’t back in action until January 4 when they take on Real Betis in LaLiga, giving ample time for the situation to be diffused, but it is the latest flashpoint for Vinicius this season.
It comes after reports broke last month that Vinicius told Real he does not intend to renew his contract amid tensions with Alonso.
The Brazilian, whose contract at the Bernabeu runs until the summer of 2027, reportedly communicated his position to club president Florentino Perez during a private conversation late last month.
Vinicius Jnr switched up his profile picture on Instagram and added three dots to his name
Contract talks were opened in January but stalled after both sides failed to agree financial terms and long-term conditions linked to his role under Alonso.
The breakdown escalated during Madrid’s 2-1 Clasico victory over Barcelona on October 26, when Vinicius reacted angrily after being substituted in the 72nd minute.
He stormed off the pitch and refused to acknowledge Alonso. He later apologised for his behaviour, before meeting Perez in the days that followed, although he did not reference Alonso in his apology.
According to The Athletic, at that meeting, his future was discussed alongside his apology, and he made clear he did not believe extending was the right decision in the current circumstances.
That position has not changed in the weeks since, with sources close to the player reportedly maintaining his doubts remain firmly rooted in the strained relationship with Alonso.
Vinicius currently earns around €18 million (£15.8m) net per year under the contract he signed in 2022, which includes a €1bn release clause. Madrid reportedly offered an extension worth around €20m (£17.6m) net per season earlier this year.
His representatives instead requested a package close to €30m (£26.4m) per season, including salary, bonuses and a renewal fee not previously issued by the club.
Those demands were not accepted, and talks subsequently stalled with no formal progress made.
