A major report from The Athletic has revealed deepening tensions between Vinícius Jr. and Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso — tensions serious enough that the Brazilian has told the club he does not want
to renew his contract under the current circumstances.
According to the report, this message was communicated directly to club president Florentino Pérez in a private meeting late last month. The Athletic, citing three sources with direct knowledge of the conversation, says Vinícius made it clear: as long as the relationship with Alonso remains as strained as it is, a contract extension “does not make sense” to him.
Vinícius’s current deal runs through June 2027.
A Breakdown Months in the Making
Per The Athletic, the rift traces back to the Club World Cup semifinal on July 9, when Alonso initially planned to bench Vinícius against PSG. An injury elsewhere forced a lineup reshuffle, but the Brazilian was deployed on the right wing — a position he has never been fond of. Since then, Alonso has only allowed him to complete five of Madrid’s 17 matches in all competitions, and Vini has started four matches from the bench.
The tipping point came after El Clásico on October 26, when Vinícius reacted furiously to being substituted, shouting, “Always me… I’m leaving the team… It’s better if I leave.” He later apologized — but in a pointed move, his public apology did not mention Alonso, even though it named others at the club.
Managing Madrid Sources: Vini’s Camp Confirms Strain — the Club Denies Any Issues
Managing Madrid can confirm that Vinicius omitting Xabi Alonso’s name was intentionally crafted.
Managing Madrid can confirm, through sources close to Vinícius’s camp, that there has been a breakdown in the relationship between the player and Alonso.
However — and this is key — club sources have strongly denied to Managing Madrid that there is any tension between Alonso and the squad. They insist that rotation has been communicated clearly and repeatedly, and they view the situation as exaggerated from the outside.
The gap between the internal club line and the perspective from Vinícius’s camp remains significant. The tension comes mostly from Vinicius’s camp, and not from Alonso. They have different interpretations of what is happening.
The Contract Standoff: Money Matters, but Alonso Is the Bigger Issue
The Athletic reports that Real Madrid offered Vinícius a renewal worth roughly €20 million net per year. His camp responded with a request for a historic deal — one approaching the financial package Cristiano Ronaldo once held, around €30 million per year including bonuses and a renewal fee.
Negotiations stalled, but sources consulted by The Athletic insist this is not a simple financial tug-of-war. They emphasize that the primary obstacle is Madrid’s new coaching dynamic, not the money.
That said, Madrid understands the current atmosphere is complicating all contract talks.
Alonso’s Position
Alonso has maintained publicly that he holds no personal issue with Vinícius and that player rotation is a necessity. In recent weeks, he has appeared increasingly frustrated by how much attention the situation has received, but he has continued to downplay the narrative of conflict.
The Bottom Line
- The Athletic reports that Vinícius Jr. has told Real Madrid he will not renew his contract while tensions with Xabi Alonso persist.
- Managing Madrid’s own sources from Vinícius’s side confirm there has been friction.
- The club, however, denies the existence of any conflict between Alonso and his players.
- Contract talks have stalled completely.
