Vinicius Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Tensions with Coach Alonso

Not long ago, Real Madrid appeared willing to overlook Vinicius Jr.’s self-centered behavior, and at times, they even seemed to support it.

The winger displayed an unwavering belief in his potential to win the previous year’s Ballon d’Or, even mentioning his anticipated victory during a heated exchange with Gavi shortly before Madrid’s significant 4-0 defeat to Barcelona, just two days before the awards ceremony in Paris.

This incident provided a telling glimpse into Vinicius’ mindset, as he seemed to prioritize his individual accolades over the team’s collective failure in such a high-stakes match. However, the outcome was not what he had hoped; Vinicius did not win the Ballon d’Or, a blow he took quite poorly.

Despite Rodri being a deserving winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Vinicius opted not to attend the ceremony celebrating the Manchester City midfielder’s achievement. Notably, no representatives from Real Madrid were present either. An unnamed source expressed discontent, stating, “It is obvious that the Ballon d’Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid, and Real Madrid is not where it is not respected.”

The irony in their grievances was striking; while Madrid and Vinicius felt disrespected, they were, in fact, disrespecting Rodri.

The boycott of the Ballon d’Or was one thing, but Vinicius’ evident personality clash with his new coach, Xabi Alonso, poses a more significant concern for club president Florentino Perez and his management team.

Alonso, a charismatic leader as evidenced by his success with Bayer Leverkusen, possesses a markedly different approach to team management and tactics than his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, who maintained a fatherly rapport with Vinicius and other Brazilian players in the squad. Therefore, Alonso’s arrival was likely to create initial tensions at the club, which many deemed necessary following a disappointing final season under Ancelotti.

Kylian Mbappé is thriving under Alonso’s guidance, winning the European Golden Shoe last year and further increasing his impact this season. He has undeniably become the focal point of Madrid’s attack, aligning with Perez’s long-term vision to have Mbappé lead the team, especially after his attempts to recruit him from Paris Saint-Germain.

Consequently, Vinicius has begun to feel less valued at the Bernabeu. His contract, set to expire in two years, could still see an extension, but the forward’s future has become uncertain amid his strained relationship with Alonso.

Early signs of this tension emerged during the Club World Cup when Alonso informed Vinicius that he would not be starting in the semi-final against PSG. Vinicius was ultimately included in the lineup due to an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold, yet he expressed dissatisfaction at playing out of position on the right wing. Despite contributing to Madrid’s strong start this season, his frustrations have been evident, particularly when substituted and rotated frequently by Alonso.

In a recent match against Espanyol, after being substituted with 13 minutes remaining, Vinicius visibly expressed his displeasure, throwing a water bottle in frustration. Alonso, maintaining his composure, highlighted that substitutions are a common experience for all players, including Franco Mastantuono, who was also replaced at that time.

“I’m very happy with Vinicius’ performance. The only thing he was missing today was a goal,” Alonso reflected. He acknowledged Vinicius’ emotional response but also emphasized the need for fresh players to maintain control in demanding circumstances.

Vinicius’ behavior during the Clasico match drew significant criticism, as veteran players and commentators highlighted the need for a more collective focus rather than personal grievances. Luis Fabiano accused him of disrespecting his teammate Rodrygo, while former France international Christophe Dugarry expressed frustration over Vinicius’ constant complaints and lack of professionalism.

Steve McManaman echoed similar sentiments, noting that discussions about individual substitutions overshadowed the team’s achievements in a crucial match.

However, Vinicius did have defenders, such as Toni Kroos, who recognized the emotional intensity of such high-stakes matches. Kroos noted that, given time for reflection, Vinicius might regret his reaction.

Yet, the apology Vinicius issued post-outburst was perceived by some as insufficient, failing to mention Alonso and rather seeming more of a public relations move than a genuine expression of remorse.

This situation continues to evolve, with sources indicating that Vinicius is contemplating leaving Madrid, and rumors suggesting a potential sale at the end of the season. The prospect of a lucrative move, possibly to Saudi Arabia, looms, although meeting Real Madrid’s high asking price remains a challenge for any elite European club.

As the season progresses and Madrid faces a challenging run of form, Alonso finds himself in a position of strength with the team currently leading La Liga. However, Vinicius’ recent performances have contributed to a growing uncertainty surrounding his status at the club. With emerging talent within the squad and a potential reshaping of the team’s dynamics, Vinicius must reevaluate his contribution and place at Real Madrid. Alonso has pointed out that for Vinicius to excel, he needs to feel valued and comfortable—conditions that are currently lacking.