Only Kane scored more\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Vinicius](\"https:\/\/tmssl.akamaized.net\/\/images\/foto\/galerie\/vini-spot-1778072421-196334.png\" "\\"Vinicius")
<\/p>\n\n \u00a9TM\/IMAGO<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n There\u2019s never a quiet day at Real Madrid and while the headlines have been dominated by Kylian Mbapp\u00e9\u2019s alleged strained relationship with his teammates, Vinicius Junior\u2019s recent revival has slipped under the radar. There was significant tension between the Brazilian and Xabi Alonso during the Spaniard\u2019s ill-fated tenure at Los Blancos and his form was significantly below his world-class status. Vinicius\u2019 downturn in form arrived during a turbulent period when there was constant speculation over his long-term future at Madrid.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The 25-year-old\u2019s contract expires in 2027 and his representatives have been locked in discussions with Madrid chiefs for twelve months without a breakthrough. It\u2019s widely reported that Vinicius wants parity with Mbapp\u00e9\u2019s salary, which Madrid have been unwilling to sanction to further add to dressing room tensions. Vinicius\u2019 delicate contract predicament remains ongoing and it will need to be resolved this summer before entering his final twelve months but his upturn in form in 2026 under \u00c1lvaro Arbeloa has arrived at the perfect time to allow him more bargaining power in his contract negotiations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Vini Jr netted a brace in Madrid\u2019s 2-0 win over Espanyol on the weekend, which temporarily prevented Barcelona being crowned as champions – Hansi Flick\u2019s men will win the LaLiga title with a draw in El Clasico on Sunday. It was a landmark goal for the Brazilian as it took his tally for the season in all competitions to 21 and he\u2019s now hit the 20-goal milestone in five consecutive seasons. Only seven other players in Madrid\u2019s illustrious history have matched that achievement, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stefano, Ra\u00fal and Karim Benzema.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cVini is a player who needs to feel important to perform at a high level,” Fuente said. “After a poor start to the season and his under performance with Alonso, it seems that Arbeloa’s support has helped him raise his level. Furthermore, he has always been an inconsistent player, alternating between standout performances and months of poorer form.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He added: \u201cHis contract expires in 2027, and if they can\u2019t reach an agreement to renew it, this summer is the ideal time to sell him. In recent days, apparently people close to him have hinted that he\u2019s sometimes unsure whether to stay or not. Furthermore, his relationship with Mbapp\u00e9 doesn\u2019t seem entirely smooth.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVinicius Junior\u2019s stunning form in 2026<\/h2>\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/tmssl.akamaized.net\/\/images\/foto\/newsansicht\/ts-2026-1778156462-196399.png?lm=1778156470\")
And as the graphic above illustrates, only Harry Kane has scored more goals in 2026 than the Madrid attacker. Vini has registered an incredibly impressive 16 goals in 26 games in the calendar year, which is more than Ousmane Demb\u00e9l\u00e9, Lamine Yamal and Luis D\u00edaz. Only one of Vini\u2019s goals in 2026 arrived when Alonso was in charge, with 15 under the stewardship of Arbeola. Interestingly when assists are included, Vini is averaging 0.91 goal contributions per 90 under Arbeloa compared to 0\/62 g\/a per90 under Alonso. His marked improvement is undeniable but what has been the secret and what does that bode for his future. We spoke to Ivan Fuente, Transfermarkt\u2019s LaLiga expert.<\/p>\nThe view from Spain on Vinicius Jr<\/h2>\n