Vinicius Faces Uncertainty Amidst Struggles at Real Madrid

omidbasir- Recently, Real Madrid exhibited a level of tolerance towards Vinicius Jr.’s self-assured demeanor, occasionally even endorsing it.

The winger was firmly convinced he would win last year’s Ballon d’Or, bringing it up during a heated exchange with Gavi after Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona, just days before the ceremony in Paris. This incident unveiled his mindset: Vinicius believed that boasting about his individual accolades was appropriate, even amidst his team’s humiliation at the hands of their arch-rivals. However, the reality was striking—Vinicius did not clinch the Ballon d’Or, and he took the outcome very poorly.

Despite Rodri being a deserving winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Vinicius notably chose not to attend the celebrations. A representative from Real Madrid voiced their perceived disrespect from the Ballon d’Or organizers, stating, “It is obvious that the Ballon d’Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid,” emphasizing their discontent with the situation.

The irony was palpable: while Madrid and Vinicius felt disrespected, they themselves disrespected Rodri. Yet, the boycott of the Ballon d’Or was something that Real Madrid could rally behind. The more pressing concern for Florentino Perez and his management team is Vinicius’ evident clash with Alonso, the new coach.

Alonso, a well-regarded leader as evidenced by Bayer Leverkusen’s recent successes, adopts a more structured approach to team management than his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti. Ancelotti’s fatherly relationship with Vinicius and the Brazilian contingent contributed to his success, making Alonso’s arrival a potential source of friction.

The change was anticipated; following a disappointing final season under Ancelotti, many believed that Madrid’s superstars would benefit from a more disciplined environment. Kylian Mbappe has certainly thrived under Alonso, winning the European Golden Shoe and enhancing his overall performance. Mbappe now stands as the central figure in Madrid’s attack, aligning with Perez’s vision of his prominence in the club’s future.

Conversely, Vinicius seems to feel less valued at the Bernabeu. With his contract expiring in two years, discussions about renewal have become uncertain, primarily due to his strained relationship with Alonso. Initial tensions emerged during the Club World Cup, where Alonso informed Vinicius he would not start against Paris Saint-Germain, an announcement that did not sit well with the forward.

Ultimately, Vinicius did start, but only due to an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold. Even then, he expressed dissatisfaction with being played out of position. His frustrations escalated following a substitution during a match against Espanyol, where he visibly reacted with exasperation, much to the chagrin of observers.

Alonso, demonstrating patience, addressed Vinicius’s concerns, noting that many players feel the disappointment of being substituted. “I’ve been a player too,” he remarked, displaying understanding of the emotional nature of such situations.

Nevertheless, Vinicius has struggled to contain his emotions, particularly during the high-stakes Clasico against Barcelona, where his reaction to being substituted drew widespread criticism. Former Brazil international Luis Fabiano and French footballer Christophe Dugarry condemned his behavior, suggesting it showed a lack of respect and maturity.

Yet, not all voices were critical. Teammate Toni Kroos acknowledged the intense emotions players experience in such pivotal matches, while defender Dean Huijsen defended Vinicius, suggesting the media exaggerated the situation. However, Vinicius’s public apology notably omitted any acknowledgment of Alonso, stirring further controversy.

As rumors circulate about Vinicius considering a departure from Madrid, speculation mounts regarding a potential move to Saudi Arabia. While his prime years lie ahead, the substantial financial demands for his transfer may limit opportunities within elite European clubs.

The current situation at Madrid remains precarious; despite recent struggles, they lead La Liga. However, Vinicius’s recent performances have not met expectations, further complicating his standing within the team. As noted by Emmanuel Petit, Mbappe has emerged as the new focal point, leaving Vinicius feeling overshadowed.

Adding to Vinicius’s predicament are emerging talents in the squad capable of challenging his position, raising questions about his long-term future. Alonso, mindful of the delicate balance within the squad, recognizes that for Vinicius to reach his full potential, he must feel valued and secure—a sentiment that currently seems absent.