Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF celebrates a goal during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Betis and Real Madrid at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, Spain, on April 24, 2026. (Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Few demonstrations of Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid struggles were more visible than his clashes with Vinícius Júnior.
Often substituted by the Basque coach, the Brazilian was seen making visible displays of frustration as he exited the field, appearing to challenge the coach’s decisions.
The action was bold, but since Alonso was ultimately fired, it demonstrated the dissatisfaction of one of the club’s prominent players.
In his own eyes, Vinícius is, as he said, after winning the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year award in late 2024, untouchable.
“I am the best player in the world and I fought hard for it. They tried and still try to invalidate me, to diminish me. But they are not prepared. No one is going to tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave."
Statistically, Vinícius’s goal contributions have not always matched the recognition he seeks.
Across five years, his 107 goal contributions rank 12th in Europe.
He trails Kylian Mbappe (209), Harry Kane (211), Mohamed Salah (181), and Erling Haaland (193).
While Vinícius is capable of remarkable moments, their consistency has not always matched the levels of their top peers.
Given his stats and with Madrid having one of Europe’s top goal contributors, it’s unsurprising that a team-focused manager wouldn’t build around him.
Vinícius’s public response to Alonso’s management suggested he was aware of his significant influence within the club.
Why wouldn’t he? The club boycotted the 2024 Ballon d’Or because Rodri, not Vinicius, won the award.
The prioritization of player influence over coaching decisions has coincided with less successful results for the club.
For a second season, Madrid has not secured a trophy; they currently trail Barcelona in the league and recently exited the Champions League after a loss to Bayern Munich.
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Alonso’s successor, Álvaro Arbeloa, included high-profile players in his lineup, but this approach did not yield desired results.
Again, the statistics speak clearly: Alonso has 10 more wins than his predecessor, and his 70% win rate tops the current coach’s 63%.
The recent campaigns, shaped in part by prominent individual roles, have resulted in two seasons without trophies.
The current squad, built around notable signings such as Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, has struggled to establish clear on-field leadership.