Madrid Pauses Vinícius Jr. Renewal Talks Amid Clasico Tensions

Update on Vinícius Júnior’s Contract Talks

A British sports outlet published Monday outlined Real Madrid's stance on renewing star Vinícius Júnior's contract.

Vinícius's contract runs out in the summer of 2027, effectively at the end of next season.

According to The Athletic, Madrid's talks with Vinícius to renew stalled after a series of meetings.

The report added that divisions had surfaced inside the club about the renewal, between those who criticized the player's behavior and those who understood it.

Vinícius publicly objected to coach Xabi Alonso on several occasions, citing frequent substitutions, with the latest incident coming after Sunday's Clasico against Barcelona, when he protested openly and walked toward the locker room before returning to the bench.

The Brazilian winger has appeared 13 times for Real Madrid this season in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing four assists.

Clasico Tensions and Alonso's Perspective

Details of the crisis

The crisis exploded during the Clasico when Vinícius Júnior showed public anger toward Alonso after being substituted in the 70th minute. He did not hide his displeasure and gestured and left the pitch toward the locker room, only to return minutes later.

The report noted that as soon as he saw his number on the board, he looked stunned and voiced protest as he left the field.

Alonso chose to ignore the moment, focusing on the pitch, while several teammates stepped in to calm him. The Brazilian did not sit on the bench at first, leaving for the locker room and returning later with a stern face.

During his exit, Vinícius could not control his emotions, shouting angrily and uttering a crude insult toward Alonso that hinted at anger and frustration.

This was not the first time Vinícius has shown displeasure at substitutions; Alonso tends to pull him off earlier than others, which has fed a sense of targeting.

Sport claimed Vinícius appeared surprised, asking Me? Me? as if unable to believe he would leave again, while locker-room tensions rose due to the different treatment he receives compared with teammate Kylian Mbappé, who is rarely substituted.

In additional clips aired by DAZN, Vinícius was heard shouting that it is always him and that he might leave the team, while Alonso replied with a serious face that the matter would be addressed.

Play-down of the substitution incident

Alonso, the Real Madrid coach, spoke with confidence and calm to the media after securing his first Clasico win as manager in a 2-1 result, analyzing the reasons for the win and stressing the mental and future importance.

He said he was happy for the players; they needed to know they could win such a game; it was a deserved victory, and that matters for the future.

On his personal feelings after victory, Alonso said there is still a lot to achieve and that calm is essential.

Vinícius crisis

The press conference did not lack questions about Vinícius's anger after the substitution, but Alonso handled the matter calmly, noting that Vinícius contributed positively and that they would discuss the issue within the group.

Despite repeated questions, Alonso said tension is natural in Clasicos, that it will continue as long as competition remains healthy.

Regarding the tactical side, Alonso praised sacrifice and discipline, and noted the energy from stands at the Bernabéu, which is vital for the project in its early days.

Punchlines: If Vinícius keeps pacing the bench, Madrid might start selling season tickets for the coaching staff. Also, Alonso’s calm is so infectious that even the drama takes a coffee break.