Vinicius Jr.’s Turbulent Times at Real Madrid: Tensions and Future Uncertainty

Recently, Real Madrid appeared willing to tolerate Vinicius Junior’s egotistical behavior, even extending some support towards him.

The winger was convinced he would win last year’s Ballon d’Or, even mentioning his anticipated victory during a heated exchange with Gavi following Madrid’s humiliating 4-0 loss to Barcelona, just days before the ceremony in Paris. This incident provided a revealing glimpse into his mindset; Vinicius seemed to believe that boasting about his individual accolades was appropriate, even as his team faced such a significant defeat. However, the Brazilian’s expectations were dashed when he did not win the Ballon d’Or, an outcome he reportedly took very hard.

Despite Rodri being a deserving winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Vinicius chose not to attend the award ceremony, and notably, no representatives from Real Madrid were present. An unnamed source expressed to AS, “It is obvious that the Ballon d’Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid,” adding, “And Real Madrid is not where it is not respected.”

The irony was palpable; while Madrid and Vinicius felt disrespected, they were, in turn, disrespecting Rodri. A boycott of the Ballon d’Or was one thing, but Vinicius’s evident personality clash with coach Xabi Alonso poses a more significant issue for club president Florentino Perez and his management team.

Alonso, a respected figure as evidenced by Bayer Leverkusen’s recent success, approaches team management and tactics with a structure that contrasts sharply with former coach Carlo Ancelotti’s more relaxed style. Ancelotti’s fatherly rapport with Vinicius and other Brazilian players in the squad likely contributed to his appointment as coach of the Brazilian national team.

Alonso’s arrival was anticipated to shake things up at Madrid, which was seen as positive after a disappointing final season under Ancelotti. The belief was that Madrid’s elite players would benefit from more structure and less freedom.

Kylian Mbappe is flourishing under Alonso’s guidance, having won the European Golden Shoe last year with 31 goals in 34 Liga matches. His goal-scoring rate has improved this season, and he has emerged as the clear leader of Madrid’s attack, fulfilling Perez’s vision of making him the club’s central figure. This shift, however, has left Vinicius feeling undervalued in the current squad.

Vinicius’s contract runs out in two years, and while an extension was almost a certainty last season, his future is now uncertain—largely due to his strained relationship with Alonso. The first signs of friction emerged during the Club World Cup when Alonso informed Vinicius he would not start in a semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, a decision that did not sit well with the player.

Although Vinicius eventually started due to an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold, he expressed dissatisfaction about being played out of position on the right wing. He began the 2025-26 season on a strong note but soon became frustrated with his rotation and frequent substitutions. During a recent match against Espanyol, Vinicius was subbed off with only 13 minutes left, leading to an outburst of disbelief and frustration.

Alonso, displaying commendable composure, handled Vinicius’s petulance with the class reminiscent of his playing days. Following the incident, Alonso noted that other players also expressed disappointment about being substituted, emphasizing that such reactions are normal in football. Alonso remarked, “I’m very happy with Vinicius’ performance. The only thing he was missing today was a goal.”

Despite Alonso’s understanding approach, Vinicius remains unable to exhibit the same level of restraint. His behavior during the Clasico sparked intense debate; this was not just any match, but a high-stakes encounter against Barcelona, drawing global attention.

Former Brazil international Luis Fabiano criticized Vinicius for showing disrespect to Rodrygo, while former France international Christophe Dugarry expressed exasperation with Vinicius’s antics, suggesting that he needs to reassess his performances and attitude.

Steve McManaman noted that the focus should be on team accomplishments rather than individual grievances, especially after a significant victory for Madrid. However, some teammates, including Toni Kroos and Dean Huijsen, defended Vinicius, acknowledging the emotional strain of playing in a Clasico.

The controversy intensified with Vinicius’s apology, which notably omitted any acknowledgment of Alonso, raising eyebrows regarding his respect for the coach. Alonso, rising above the situation, praised Vinicius for his “valuable” apology while attempting to diffuse the ongoing tension.

Reports indicate that Vinicius is now seriously contemplating leaving Madrid, with speculation suggesting a potential move to Saudi Arabia at the end of the season. His prime years may still lie ahead, but the €150 million asking price could deter elite European clubs from pursuing him.

As the situation continues to evolve, Alonso currently holds a position of strength with Madrid leading La Liga. However, Vinicius’s recent frustrations and inconsistent performances have weakened his standing within the team. The reality is that while he may believe he is the best player in the world, he is no longer the focal point at the Bernabeu, with Mbappe taking center stage.

With promising young talents like Mastantuono and Endrick emerging, Vinicius faces increasing competition for his place. If he were to depart, the substantial funds generated could be reinvested in a top striker, should Alonso wish to shift Mbappe’s role.

While Alonso aims to maintain harmony within the squad, he acknowledges that for Vinicius to reach his peak form, he must feel valued and at ease—conditions that are evidently lacking at present. If their discord continues, Madrid may ultimately decide to part ways with the Brazilian star.