La Liga
Vinicius Jr Refuses Contract Renewal Amid Ongoing Alonso Tensions
Real Madrid rarely allows internal tensions to spill into public view, but the ongoing friction between Vinicius Junior and head coach Xabi Alonso has become impossible to ignore.
According to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, the Brazilian star has told club president Florentino Pérez that he will not renew his contract as long as his relationship with Alonso remains strained a stance that has surprised the club.
The Meeting That Changed Everything
In late October, shortly after Real Madrid’s heated 2–1 Clásico win over Barcelona, Vinicius Jr met privately with Florentino Pérez.
He apologised for his outburst after being substituted in the 72nd minute by Xabi Alonso. Frustrated, he had stormed off the pitch saying, “Always me… It’s better if I leave… I’m leaving.”
During the meeting, however, the discussion quickly broadened. Vinicius Jr made it clear that he does not feel comfortable committing his long-term future to Madrid, given the state of his relationship with Alonso, and sources say that stance has not changed since.
Where It All Started
Though tensions have been visible this season, their roots go back to July, during the Club World Cup semi-final against PSG. Alonso initially planned to bench Vinicius Jr a shocking decision for a player widely regarded as one of the most dangerous attackers in world football.
Only an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold forced Alonso to rethink his approach, starting the Brazilian but on the right wing, far from his preferred left-side position. The match ended in humiliation: a 4–0 defeat.
Since then, Vinicius Jr has completed only 5 of Madrid’s 17 matches this season, and has started from the bench four times. His benching in Sunday’s 2–2 draw against Elche added even more fuel to the fire.
A Tactical Decision or a Personal Rift?
From Alonso’s perspective, the issue is tactical, not personal. The coach has repeatedly stressed the importance of rotation and balance and insists there is no personal conflict between the two.
But those close to Vinicius Jr disagree. They claim he feels unfairly treated, undervalued, and singled out more than other players.
When he released an apology letter on social media after his Clásico outburst, he deliberately omitted Alonso’s name, even while naming Pérez and various teammates.
Inside the club, that omission was seen as a message and not a subtle one.
The Contract Standstill
Vinicius Jr’s current contract runs until June 2027 and features a monumental €1 billion release clause. Madrid began discussions on a renewal in January, offering a raise to around €20 million net per season.
But negotiations stalled when Vinicius Jr’s representatives countered with a historic request: €30 million per year, including bonuses and a renewal fee something Real Madrid has never granted, not even during Cristiano Ronaldo’s time.
Madrid believes the salary gap can eventually be bridged. What they cannot control is the deeper issue: the player’s deteriorating relationship with the coach.
Is This a Negotiating Tactic?
To some observers, Vinicius Jr’s stance may look like a high-stakes negotiation strategy. After all, major stars often apply pressure to secure better financial terms.
But those close to the 24-year-old insist his concerns are genuine and personal, not merely financial. The feeling is mutual, as the club staff members say they have witnessed the growing tension firsthand.
It has reached the point where the issue has become a daily conversation within the squad and boardroom.
Saudi Interest Looms in the Background
In 2024, representatives tied to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund tested the waters for a potential move. It would have been one of the most lucrative packages in football history.
Though nothing materialised, the door remains open and Madrid knows it.
A departure once unthinkable now feels possible.
