The World Cup is a symbolic frontier for Real Madrid. A turning point and a test of sensations and talent. The same tournament that led the white team to enter the race for James after Brazil 2014, for Courtois after Russia 2018, or for Bellingham once the event in Qatar 2022 was over, now appears as a barometer of a squad that has lost confidence in recent months and as a judgment of its biggest stars: Mbappé, Vinicius and the Englishman above all, but also of players like Tchouaméni and Valverde. At the same time, as in previous cups, the World Cup will serve as a source of desires.
This World Cup will catch the Madrid squad off guard, as they are only offering nine players to the tournament. Ten if we count Endrick, loaned to Lyon in the last part of the season. None of them will play for Spain, empty of Madrid players for the first time in history. Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Mendy, Carvajal, Carreras, Mastantuono, and Camavinga are the most significant absences, in addition to Rodrygo and Militao, who are forced to miss it due to injury.
These absences mean that the judgment of the white galaxy begins even before the opening match. The four signings from last summer (Huijsen, Trent, Carreras, and Mastantuono), in which Madrid spent 180 million, have not made it to their countries' lists, condemning the club's internal reflection and dictating a verdict: they have not performed as expected. The consequence is the movements for Konaté and Dumfries in defense, the search for another defender (with the possibility of letting Carreras, the most high-profile, go) and for a new forward with the famous offer of 150 million for a galactic player.
The judgment, however, focuses on the backbone of the squad and the dressing room. And one name is at the center of attention: Vinicius Junior. Kylian Mbappé arrived just two summers ago, and although in that period PSG has won two Champions League titles and Madrid has floundered, he is still seen as the main star of the project and the player on whom to build the future. Similar to Jude Bellingham, key on and off the field, both in footballing and advertising terms. He is the player who generates the most for the club off the field. Untouchable at 22 years old and with a contract until 2029.
Vinicius' case is different. The Brazilian has the affection of Florentino Pérez and the club's management plans for him to continue forming a duo with Mbappé in the Madrid attack, but complications with his renewal could twist the coming months. Discussions have been stalled for some time, with Madrid sticking to its initial offer and Vinicius' entourage asking for figures that, for now, the club refuses to consider.
The World Cup could speed up everything, for better or for worse, with Madrid offering 150 million for a galactic player. Another message to the sailors. A great World Cup performance from the former Flamengo player would solidify his status at the white team and could force the club to make the financial effort demanded, but if the Brazilian does not shine in the tournament and continues his inconsistent form of the last two seasons in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Madrid could make a move and explore their options in the market. His contract ends in June 2027, in just a year, and in January, in just seven months, he would be free to negotiate with any team.
August 31 would mark the end of the last transfer window in which Madrid, with Vinicius' current contract, could sell him. The player is not in a hurry and considers delaying and even reaching the last months of the year without renewing, but this situation does not fit the white team, which prefers to resolve the matter much earlier.
After the World Cup, both parties will talk again. The tournament, crucial for the renewal in this judgment of the galaxy.