Vinicius Jr. Breaks Silence: It’s Me or Alonso at Real Madrid
24 November 2025
Overview
Vinicius Junior reportedly informed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez that he does not want to renew his contract, amid a strained dynamic with coach Xabi Alonso. His current deal runs through 2027, and despite renewal talks, no agreement has been reached.
According to The Athletic, Vinicius told Perez late last month that renewal was not on his mind because of the friction with Alonso.
Tensions, apologies, and the locker room dynamic
Following the Clasico incident when he reacted angrily to being substituted, the Brazilian star apologized to teammates and the Madrid faithful, while reportedly not addressing Alonso directly during the moment.
People close to Vinicius described the move as deliberate, a choice that stunned many within the club, including Alonso, who was present as Vinicius apologized at the training ground and later issued a public note to fans.
Vinicius’s reaction after being withdrawn in the 72nd minute—shouting that he would leave the team—added fuel to the ongoing narrative of a fractured relationship.
Madrid’s stance and Alonso’s remarks
A so‑called urgent meeting with Perez followed, during which Vinicius explained that extending his contract did not feel like the right move given his dynamic with Alonso, and he has maintained that stance since.
Sources close to Vinicius have reiterated concerns about Alonso, suggesting he does not feel comfortable in Alonsos’ presence, contrasting with the previous coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso has repeatedly stressed that there is no personal issue and that rotation remains essential for the squad’s performance.
La Liga results and the road ahead
Real Madrid were held to a 2-2 draw away at Elche, with Madrid’s goals coming in the late stages, while Elche struck twice earlier in the match.
With this result, Madrid sit on 32 points at the top of La Liga, one point ahead of Barcelona, while Elche climb to 16 points in 13th place.
Alonso defended his unusual tactical choice to deploy Fran Garcia in a less familiar position, explaining the aim was to widen the attack; the late concession interrupted momentum but the coach emphasized learning and adaptation as the campaign unfolds.
On Vinicius’s role, Alonso reaffirmed there are no concerns about his commitment or discipline, noting that Vinicius understands his responsibilities and that this approach has worked in other matches. The Spaniard also highlighted that the team must maintain intensity and rhythm to re‑establish momentum ahead of a key Champions League clash with Olympiakos.
Key takeaways and what’s next
Madrid remains at the summit of La Liga, but the gap to Barcelona narrows with every result, and the club is navigating a delicate balance between internal dynamics and on‑field demands.
As the team looks toward Olympiakos in Europe, both the players and the coach stress unity and continued hard work as non‑negotiables, even if the atmosphere around the squad feels a touch spicy.
And for the fans: if drama had a transfer window, this saga would be its headline act. Because in Madrid, even the weather forecast comes with a training plan and a press conference flashback.
Punchline time: If consistency is a goal, Real Madrid must hire a weather girl who can forecast rainy days in the form of clean sheets. Punchline two: Vinicius might be negotiating his future, but at least his dribbles still have a punch—just not his renewal talks, apparently.
