Vinicius Junior: “I acted as Mbappé’s agent to bring him to Real Madrid”

Madrid—In a candid interview with streamer Ibai Llanos, Vinicius Junior has disclosed that he personally lobbied Kylian Mbappé for years before the French forward’s summer 2024 move to the Bernabéu, joking that he “acted as an agent” in the negotiations.

The Brazilian winger, whose own form has rebounded after a testing 18-month spell, said he repeatedly messaged Mbappé every off-season with a simple question: “When are you coming?” Vinicius added that he adopted the same approach with Jude Bellingham, explaining: “I want to play with the best to have more options to win. We spend more time with each other than with our family. We have to have a good relationship.”

Vinicius, whose current deal expires in June 2027, stressed that his happiness in Madrid remains intact despite ongoing uncertainty over a contract extension. “Playing for Real Madrid, having the life I have and my family makes me happy,” he told Llanos, remarks carried by Diario AS.

The 24-year-old also reflected on the pressures of early fame, recalling how sudden celebrity limited his freedom off the pitch. “When we are very young we don’t learn to be famous,” he said, adding that hostile receptions from rival supporters no longer faze him. “I love the whistles… In the moments of pressure is when the best players stand out, and at Real Madrid, we are ready.”

Vinicius revealed that he recently spoke with Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo during the Uruguayan’s brief break from football, underscoring the importance of mental well-being. “You have to listen to everything, not just the good things,” he advised.