Vinicius Jr.’s Struggles at Real Madrid: A Clash of Personalities and Ambitions

Recently, Real Madrid seemed willing to overlook Vinicius Jr.’s flamboyant behavior, occasionally even supporting it.

The winger was notably confident about his chances of winning last year’s Ballon d’Or, even mentioning his anticipated victory during a heated exchange with Gavi following Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona just days before the ceremony in Paris. This incident provided a revealing glimpse into his mindset, where Vinicius appeared to prioritize individual accolades over his team’s collective setbacks in such a significant match.

However, irony struck when he ultimately did not win the Ballon d’Or, an outcome that he took quite poorly. Although Rodri was a deserving recipient of the 2024 award, Vinicius boycotted the ceremony, reflecting a broader sentiment from Real Madrid that the Ballon d’Or and UEFA lacked respect for the club. An unnamed source expressed this frustration, stating, “It is evident that Real Madrid is not respected in these circles.”

The uproar surrounding the award was overshadowed by a more pressing concern: Vinicius’s apparent personality clash with the new coach, Xabi Alonso. Unlike his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, who maintained a paternal relationship with players, Alonso is known for a more structured approach to management. This shift was anticipated to create initial friction but was deemed necessary after a disappointing season under Ancelotti.

Kylian Mbappe has flourished under Alonso’s leadership, showcasing an impressive goal-scoring record and a more dynamic playing style. As Mbappe emerges as the focal point of Madrid’s attack, Vinicius has started to feel undervalued, with uncertainty surrounding his contract, which expires in two years.

Tensions became apparent during the Club World Cup when Alonso announced that Vinicius would not start against Paris Saint-Germain, a decision that did not sit well with the Brazilian. Despite eventually starting due to an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Vinicius expressed dissatisfaction with being rotated and often substituted.

His frustration boiled over during a match against Espanyol, where he reacted dramatically after being subbed off, raising concerns about his attitude. Alonso, showcasing patience, addressed the situation by noting that substitutions are a normal part of team dynamics and emphasized his satisfaction with Vinicius’s performance.

The controversy escalated further during a Clasico match against Barcelona, where Vinicius’s behavior drew criticism from former players and pundits alike. While some defended him, arguing that emotions run high in such pivotal matches, others felt he needed to reassess his conduct and focus on team objectives.

Despite being backed by teammates like Dean Huijsen, who accused the media of exaggerating the incident, Vinicius’s public apology failed to mention Alonso, raising eyebrows about the sincerity of his remorse.

The ongoing speculation surrounding Vinicius’s future at Real Madrid is compounded by reports that he is reconsidering his position, with potential interest from clubs, including those in Saudi Arabia. With a hefty price tag set by Real Madrid, the prospect of a transfer remains uncertain, especially given the strength of Alonso’s current position as the team leads La Liga.

Ultimately, Alonso acknowledges that for Vinicius to excel, he needs to feel valued and comfortable within the team environment. As it stands, the disconnect between player and coach could lead to significant changes in the near future if relations do not improve.