Regrettable: the Catalan press laugh and attack Vini over his contract renewal with Real Madrid

New chapter in the media war. This time, with Vinícius Junior at the center of the storm.

The newspaper Sport, one of the outlets most closely linked to the FC Barcelona environment, has published an article that has caused outrage among Real Madrid fans. The mocking headline reads: “Eu cobrarei 10X se for preciso,” a direct parody of the message the Brazilian wrote after losing the Ballon d'Or: “Eu farei 10X se for preciso. Eles não estão preparados.”

From message of pride to reason for mockery

What was once a declaration of ambition by Vinícius has now become the object of ridicule.

Sport has taken advantage of the tensions in the Brazilian's contract renewal negotiations to attack. The phrase, turned into a meme, suggests that Vini is only focused on money and on demanding the same salary as Kylian Mbappé.

Instead of analyzing the situation rigorously, the Catalan outlet has chosen to make a jab that has hurt Madridists. Not only because of the ironic tone, but also because of what it implies: questioning the commitment of one of the club's most important players.

Vini wants to stay, but with conditions

Vinícius's contract situation is not simple. His camp has requested a substantial salary increase. According to sources close to the matter, he wants to match Mbappé, something the club doesn't currently consider.

Although both parties want to continue together, talks have cooled off. Real Madrid is not willing to give in to any demand, and Vini doesn't want to stay without being valued as what he believes he is: a global star.

Meanwhile, the culé media take advantage of any detail to fuel the controversy. This time it was Sport, but it is not the first and it will not be the last.

Senseless attacks days before the return

The timing could not be more inopportune. Xabi Alonso has drafted the squad to start preseason on August 4, after the accumulated effort from the Club World Cup, which ended on July 9.

Vinícius, like the rest of the group, is enjoying his vacation before returning to work. He will do so focused on the field, despite the outside noise.

Calm is being conveyed from the locker room. But the fans do not forget the gesture from the rival press. For many, what Sport did has crossed a line.

Because rivalry is one thing. Mocking a footballer for wanting to earn what he believes he deserves is something very different.