By Michael Nsikan Richard – November 26th, 2025
Recent developments at Real Madrid have revealed growing discord within the club, particularly concerning Vinicius Jr.’s working relationship with manager Xabi Alonso.
What started as tactical differences has evolved into a situation that could reshape the Brazilian forward’s future with the Spanish giants.
The Core Conflict
According to Sports Illustrated, things between Vinicius Jr. and Alonso have deteriorated significantly. The Brazilian has apparently told club president Florentino Perez that he can’t see himself signing a new contract while the current managerial dynamic persists.
At the heart of this lies a combination of disagreements over tactics and Vinicius’s feeling that he’s not receiving the same level of consideration he enjoyed under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership.
The first real signs of trouble emerged during the Club World Cup semi-final, as reported by Goal.com. Alonso had initially considered leaving Vinicius on the bench for the PSG match, eventually deciding to use him but positioning him on the right wing—a role the Brazilian finds uncomfortable. From that point forward, Vinicius has viewed his reduced minutes and frequent squad rotations as indicators that his manager’s confidence in him has waned.
The El Clasico Incident
The breaking point came during the latest El Clasico, according to Goal.com. With Real Madrid ahead against Barcelona, Alonso made the call to substitute Vinicius in the 72nd minute. The Brazilian’s reaction was striking—he questioned the decision five times in disbelief before making his way off the pitch and down the tunnel, vocally expressing his desire to leave the club.
Though Vinicius later released an apology statement, observers were quick to note that Alonso’s name was conspicuously absent from it. Many interpreted this omission as intentional, further evidence of how damaged their relationship has become.
Dressing Room Divisions
Goal.com‘s reporting suggests the squad itself has become fractured over this situation. A group of six players—Fede Valverde, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy—have apparently expressed frustration with how Alonso approaches tactics. Meanwhile, another faction, including Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, Arda Guler, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras, has shown support for the manager’s methods.
These internal divisions couldn’t have come at a worse time, given the team’s winless streak across their last three fixtures.
Contract Standoff
The interpersonal issues have inevitably affected contract talks. With Vinicius’s current agreement running through June 2027, extension discussions that kicked off in January have now ground to a halt. Money remains a sticking point—Vinicius is pushing for a landmark deal worth up to €30 million annually when bonuses are factored in, while Madrid’s offer sits closer to €20 million net per year.
But these days, the financial gap seems almost secondary compared to the Alonso situation, which has become the main roadblock to reaching any agreement.
Current Status & Future Implications
Despite the dramatic situation, Real Madrid’s leadership has stood firmly behind Alonso. The club has expressed full confidence in their manager, backing several of his more contentious calls, including how he’s handled Vinicius and various tactical adjustments he’s implemented.
For his part, Alonso has kept his public demeanor measured. He’s avoided getting into specifics about any individual player, instead speaking more broadly about the challenges of managing strong personalities at a club with Madrid’s expectations and profile.
Everyone involved finds themselves under tremendous pressure right now. Vinicius remains central to Madrid’s long-term vision, yet figuring out how to effectively utilize both him and Mbappe, who favor the same position on the left, continues to present tactical headaches. At the same time, the team’s recent slump has put Alonso’s methods under the microscope, even though Madrid still holds the top spot in La Liga.
The next few weeks will likely prove decisive in determining whether this relationship can be salvaged or if we’re witnessing the start of Vinicius’s departure from the Santiago Bernabeu.
EXCLUSIVE: Endrick Yet to Make Appearance Under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid This Season
