Jesús Vallejo’s time at Real Madrid has been a journey filled with highs and lows. Joining the club in 2017 from Real Zaragoza, he was once touted as a future defensive star. However, by 2025, Vallejo finds himself as the squad’s lowest-paid player, earning €1.8 million annually, or €150,000 per month—far below the wages of newer talents like Endrick and Arda Güler.
While Endrick earns €4.16 million per year and Arda Güler takes home €5.2 million, Vallejo’s salary reflects his diminished role within the team. Backup players such as Andriy Lunin (€4.5 million) and Fran García (€5.21 million) earn significantly more, further underscoring the disparity.
Vallejo’s career at Real Madrid began with promise, but injuries and stiff competition from elite defenders like Sergio Ramos and Raphaël Varane hampered his progress. Over the years, new arrivals in defense pushed him further down the pecking order. Despite his professionalism and readiness, Vallejo’s role has largely been limited to the bench.
This season, Vallejo’s struggles have been glaring. He has played just 11 minutes in La Liga and wasn’t included in the squad for the Copa del Rey clash against La Deportiva Minera. Reports indicate that Real Madrid is looking to offload him in the January transfer window to free up squad space and cut costs. However, Vallejo, whose contract runs until June 2025, is determined to stay and prove his worth.
This situation highlights a broader dilemma in football: the clash between player loyalty and club ambitions. While Vallejo’s commitment to honoring his contract is admirable, Real Madrid’s strategic focus on building a younger, more dynamic squad leaves little room for sentimentality.
For Vallejo, staying at Real Madrid offers the chance to fight for a place in the team, even in a limited role. For the club, moving him on could signal progress toward their long-term goals. The outcome of this standoff remains uncertain, but it underscores the harsh realities of modern football, where loyalty often clashes with pragmatism.
The coming weeks will be crucial as both parties seek a resolution. Whether Vallejo stays or departs, his story is a testament to resilience and dedication in the face of adversity—a reminder of the challenges players face in the high-stakes world of elite football.