Vinícius Júnior is reportedly seriously considering leaving Real Madrid after this season. Following his much-discussed substitution in El Clásico, his relationship with coach Xabi Alonso and his future at Los Blancos have become a major topic in the Spanish media.
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Tension at Real Madrid has reached a new level after Vinícius Júnior’s angry outburst during El Clásico, a match that Real Madrid won 2 to 1 against FC Barcelona at the Bernabéu.
The Brazilian forward was substituted by manager Xabi Alonso in the 72nd minute, replaced by Rodrygo, in a move that shocked both fans and teammates. Clearly furious, Vinícius stormed off the pitch and headed straight to the dressing room before being instructed by staff to return to the bench. Cameras captured his visible frustration as teammates on the sideline tried to calm him.
According to reports from Marca, the club’s management was taken aback by the incident but does not intend to impose formal disciplinary measures. Instead, Real Madrid expects Alonso and Vinícius to discuss the matter privately and resolve their differences internally. The club’s hierarchy, aware of the delicate balance in the dressing room, is keen to avoid escalating the situation publicly.
Alonso attempted to play down the controversy during the post-match press conference, stating that emotions often run high in such matches and insisting that his relationship with Vinícius remains professional. However, reporting from The Athletic revealed more heated details of the touchline exchange. When the substitution was signaled, Vinícius reportedly shouted at the coach to ask why he was being taken off, expressing disbelief at being the one removed again. As Alonso insisted on the change, the Brazilian is said to have responded that it is always him and that he would leave the club, saying it is better if he goes.
Those words quickly reverberated through the Spanish media and reignited speculation about Vinícius’s future in Madrid. The 25-year-old winger, pivotal in recent seasons and a key figure in Real’s attack, is said to be frustrated with his reduced importance under Alonso’s management. According to AS and Cadena SER, he is now seriously considering leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season. Despite the storm, sources close to the club indicate that Real still plans to reopen talks after the season to extend his current contract, which runs until 2027.
Whether those negotiations will succeed remains uncertain. Earlier this year, Real and Vinícius had reportedly agreed on the framework for a new five-year contract that included a significant salary increase and performance bonuses. Talks stalled when the player’s representatives returned with additional financial demands, and discussions have remained frozen. This impasse, combined with his deteriorating relationship with Alonso, has cast serious doubt over his long-term commitment to the club.
The friction between Vinícius and Alonso reportedly began during the Club World Cup, when the coach publicly demanded more tactical discipline from his wingers. Since then, their relationship has been strained. Alonso’s tactical approach prioritizes structure, teamwork, and defensive responsibility, which contrasts with the creative freedom Vinícius enjoyed under Carlo Ancelotti.
Under Ancelotti, the Brazilian was given near total liberty to attack, roam, and improvise, a setup that suited his explosive style of play. Alonso’s system-based philosophy focuses on positional play and collective shape. According to The Athletic, several Real players view Alonso as distant and less approachable than his Italian predecessor. This difference in management style has reportedly led to growing frustration among key players, with Vinícius the most vocal.
Despite these tensions, Alonso remains firm in his stance. He believes that Real Madrid must evolve tactically to remain competitive in Europe and that no player can be above the collective system. Those who cannot adapt will not play is said to be the message internally.
For Vinícius, the situation has become increasingly uncomfortable. The Brazilian, who garnered top individual accolades last season and remains one of the most decisive attackers in world football, feels that his influence and freedom have been unfairly reduced. Friends close to him describe him as emotionally exhausted by recent months, pointing to his visible frustration on and off the pitch.
While Real Madrid’s management publicly supports Alonso’s authority, there is growing awareness inside the club that losing Vinícius would be a significant blow both on a sporting and commercial level. He remains one of the most marketable players in world football, a fan favorite, and a key symbol of the team’s new generation.
The coming weeks could be decisive. If Alonso and Vinícius fail to reconcile after the 2 to 1 Clásico victory, Real Madrid may face an unwanted dilemma between backing the manager’s philosophy or risking the departure of a global superstar. For now, both sides are silent in public, but behind the scenes, tension continues to simmer at the Bernabéu.
