Vinicius is close to gaining Spanish nationality. Rodrygo and Militao, who have been based in Spain for two years, have started the process. Kubo and Reinier are next in line.
New transfer policy for the Real Madrid
The transfer policy which Real Madrid have followed over the past few seasons has generated problems when it comes to fitting in players who do not have EU citizenship. The arrival of players like Vinicius, Rodrygo, Militão, Kubo and Reinier in the space of three years took the club past the quota meaning they couldn’t register all of them. It also affected future signings, as the technical department had to rule out bringing in more non-EU players as there is no room for them. However, a solution may be just around the corner, or at least that is what is hoped in the back offices at the Bernabéu.
Vini needs a little bit time for the citizenship
According to Spanish law, any individual born in another country who is seeking a Spanish passport must have lived in Spain for a minimum of 10 years uninterrupted. However, that does not apply to those born in any of the Latin American countries, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines and Portugal, who can apply for a Spanish passport if they have spent two years living and working in Spain. Three Real Madrid players have already been through the process and have their passport – Casemiro, Marcelo and Fede Valverde (the latter received his in 2019). Of those who are still waiting to have their application processed, Vinicius will be the first to gain dual nationality. His case has dragged on longer than expected due to the disruption and delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. He started the process in July 2020, hoping that it would take about a year for all the paperwork to be admitted and approved.