Vinicius Junior's huge Real Madrid bonus for winning The Best award revealed | OneFootball

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior will become the best-paid player in the Spanish capital after collecting the bonus he earned for winning The Best FIFA Men's Player award, according to a report in Spain.

Vinicius was infamously pipped to the Ballon d'Or by Manchester City midfielder Rodri earlier this year, boycotting the ceremony in Paris along with the rest of Real Madrid's representatives. After a decision which was deemed "unfair" by many, the Brazilian forward's performances during the 2023/24 campaign were recognised at FIFA's awards event in December.

The Spanish and European champion became just the fifth different player to win the individual accolade which was introduced in 2016 as a counterpoint to the Ballon d'Or.

Alongside the individual recognition which he craved from a team sport, Vinicius also earned a significant increase in his salary. According to a report from AS, the Brazilian's annual net wage will jump from €15m to €20m for each of the next two seasons.

Kylian Mbappe (left) and Vinicius Junior are Real Madrid's two top earners / Image Photo Agency/GettyImages

Vinicius had already been the joint-highest earner at the club, taking home roughly £240,000-per-week after taxes. Summer recruit Kylian Mbappe was reportedly entitled to the same salary - which represents a significant decrease compared to his income at Paris Saint-Germain. Although, the Frenchman is currently locked in a legal battle with his former club regarding his wage.

When Frederico Pena, Vinicius' agent, entered into negotiations regarding an extension for his client back in 2022, he fought for a financial incentive relating to individual accolades. On top of his eye-watering Best bonus, Vinicius is set to earn a further salary increase if he finishes in the top three of next year's FIFA award or the Ballon d'Or.

Pena and Vinicius are once again engaged in talks regarding another extension. The 24-year-old's current deal doesn't expire until 2027, but the Brazilian is thought to be pushing for a higher base salary which is not so reliant upon performance-related bonuses.