Vinicius Junior’s missed penalty against Valencia has cost him more than just a goal—it may have marked a turning point in his Real Madrid career. After a tame spot-kick was saved during a crucial La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, manager Carlo Ancelotti acted swiftly, naming Kylian Mbappe as the club’s new primary penalty taker.
The fallout has raised eyebrows, especially as the decision came during a tense title race with Barcelona. And now, with the Brazilian seemingly demoted and jeered by some of the Madrid faithful, questions are being asked about his future—including potential interest from Saudi Arabia.
Carlo Ancelotti pulls the trigger
Real Madrid’s recent 2-1 defeat at home to Valencia sent shockwaves through the capital. With the score level at 0-0, Mbappe earned a penalty after being brought down by Cesar Tarrega. But rather than taking the kick himself, he handed the ball to Vinicius—perhaps a sign of trust, or maybe a moment of generosity.
Vinicius stepped up but fluffed his chance. His low shot was read perfectly by Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who saved it with his legs. Just two minutes later, the visitors scored, capitalizing on Los Blancos’ psychological drop. Although the Brazilian winger later equalized—his 104th goal for Real Madrid, tying Ronaldo Nazario’s tally—it wasn’t enough. A stoppage-time winner from Hugo Duro sealed the upset.
According to Marca, the response from Carlo Ancelotti was immediate and unequivocal: “Ancelotti has decided to change the PK taker. Kylian Mbappe will take over as the primary kicker instead of Vinicius. If Mbappe misses, the next kicker will be Jude Bellingham.”
This wasn’t just about one missed kick. It was Vinicius’ second penalty miss in two weeks, having also failed to convert in the UEFA Champions League against Atletico Madrid. For a player earning around $18.6 million a year, it was a symbolic humiliation rather than a financial one. Still, the 24-year-old, in his 200th La Liga appearance, walked off to jeers and whistles from sections of the Bernabeu crowd.
Could this force Vinicius out of Real Madrid?
The events have reignited speculation over Vinicius’s long-term future, with Fabrizio Romano and ESPN both weighing in on recent Saudi interest. “Saudi Arabia had seen the latest events as a new opportunity to go after him,” ESPN reported. “Some moves have already started, testing the waters for a possible signing.”
However, for now, the club’s stance remains firm. Real Madrid consider Vinicius untouchable, and sources say they will not entertain offers unless the player himself asks to leave. President Florentino Perez sees him as a key part of the club’s future, alongside Mbappe and Bellingham.
Still, Romano noted that conversations between Saudi officials and Vinicius’s camp began last year, and although there’s been no recent contact, his representatives have not closed the door completely.
Meanwhile, the Whites have opened talks for a contract renewal, with the player’s current deal running until 2027. According to ESPN, negotiations have begun, but the two sides remain far apart. “Vinicius’ camp presented a proposal that was significantly different to the club’s offer. But there’s no panic. The player is under contract and both sides are still talking.”
