Vinicius Junior Refuses Contract Extension: Fractured Relationship With Xabi Alonso Threatens Real Madrid Future

Vinicius Junior has told Real Madrid that he does not want to renew his contract while his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso remains so strained, with the message relayed in a conversation between Vinicius Jr and Madrid president Florentino Perez late last month. The explosive revelation threatens to reshape the future of both the player and the club, with tensions between star and manager reaching a breaking point.

The Breaking Point: Contract Talks Collapse

Following Madrid’s 2-1 Clasico victory over Barcelona on October 26, Vinicius Jr went to see Perez to apologise for his behaviour during the match, having reacted angrily after being substituted by Alonso in the 72nd minute, storming off the pitch and shouting: “Always me“.

At that meeting, the subject of Vinicius Jr’s future was also discussed, where he made it known that he feels extending is not the best option for him due to his relationship with Alonso, with no change in that position since. Vinicius Jr’s contract runs until the end of June 2027, with talks over an extension having started in January but stalled after the two sides could not reach an agreement.

The Alonso Factor: Where It All Went Wrong

The origins of these tensions can be traced back to Madrid’s 4-0 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup semi-final on July 9, when Alonso planned to bench Vinicius Jr for that game. An injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold eventually forced him to change his plan and the Brazilian did start—albeit on the right wing rather than his favoured spot on the left.

Since then, Vinicius has only completed five of Madrid’s 17 games in all competitions so far this campaign, starting on the bench four times, including Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Elche. The dramatic reduction in playing time represents a stark departure from his untouchable status under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Deliberate Snub

When Vinicius published an apology letter on social media after his outburst during the Barca game, he did not mention his manager by name—despite specifically referring to several others, including Perez. Sources close to Vinicius Jr said it was a deliberate move, causing widespread surprise at the club, including among the coaching staff, as Alonso had been present when the Brazilian also apologised to the group in person at Madrid’s training ground.

Vinicius Jr believes Alonso is not being fair to him, and sources close to the Brazilian have several times expressed concerns he has with Alonso, who was appointed as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement back in May. Over the first three months of the new season, tensions have only grown, and now it is a topic of daily debate inside and outside the club.

The Financial Impasse: Historic Contract Demands

Vinicius Jr signed fresh terms at Madrid in 2022, the details of which were announced a year later, and he currently earns around €18 million a year after tax with his contract containing a €1 billion release clause.

Earlier this year, Madrid made Vinicius Jr a renewal offer, including an increase in salary to around €20 million net a year, but when this was not accepted, the club asked the player’s side to propose a figure.

Vinicius Jr’s representatives requested a historic contract, in the region of the highest ever at the club (which was given to Cristiano Ronaldo), with a package of up to €30 million per season including base salary, performance bonuses and a renewal bonus—something which has not been offered to players at Real Madrid previously.

Saudi Arabia’s Looming Interest

In 2024, a delegation working on behalf of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) was keen to explore a move for Vinicius to join a Saudi Pro League club, which would have involved lucrative personal terms, but did not develop into anything concrete. However, the Saudi interest remains a significant factor in the background of these negotiations, providing Vinicius with alternative options should the Real Madrid situation become untenable.

Alonso’s Public Diplomacy vs. Private Reality

Alonso has spoken about his relationship with Vinicius Jr several times at press conferences this season, keen to stress that there is no personal issue between them and that rotation in selection is important to the team. In recent weeks, Alonso has often appeared frustrated by the ongoing drama around the situation.

The manager’s public statements stand in stark contrast to the private reality, where the relationship has deteriorated to the point where Vinicius openly refuses to commit his future while Alonso remains in charge.

Real Madrid’s Damage Control

A sign of concern can perhaps be read in the response from Madrid’s communications department to a request for official comment—while details of what was discussed at Vinicius Jr’s meeting with Perez were confirmed through several sources at the club, including at senior level, the communications department denied any such meeting had taken place.

The club’s attempt to suppress the story reveals the sensitivity of the situation and their concern about public perception of the growing rift.

The Club’s Dilemma: Supporting Both Sides

Key figures at Madrid have been aware of Vinicius Jr’s worries about not being afforded the same importance under Alonso as he enjoyed under Ancelotti. In response, they have sought to show him affection and trust, but that did not stop them from explaining to him—without imposing a fine—that he was wrong to express his anger at being replaced against Barcelona.

Sources on both sides point to Perez’s fondness for Vinicius Jr, with the president having always shown support for the forward, such as when he sat next to him in the VIP box at a match at the Bernabeu after he suffered racist abuse in a game at Valencia in May 2023. Vinicius Jr himself is grateful to Perez—hence why he also included him in his apology after El Clasico.

The Broader Squad Discontent

Madrid are pleased that Alonso is making important changes and that the team are leading La Liga, but at the same time, there is concern about discontent among a significant group of players in the squad, with Vinicius Jr being the clearest example.

The situation extends beyond just one player, with Alonso’s demanding methods and tactical rigidity causing friction with multiple senior figures who were accustomed to greater freedom under Ancelotti’s more relaxed approach.

Is This a Negotiating Tactic?

Vinicius Jr’s stance may be interpreted by some as a negotiating tactic, but all sources consulted said he simply does not think that committing his long-term future makes sense right now, given his relationship with Alonso. This has not come as a surprise at Madrid, but it has caused concern.

Further talks were held before the start of the season, but now have stalled, with Madrid understanding that, beyond the financial differences, the difficult situation between one of their star players and their head coach is a handicap in attempts to move negotiations forward.

The Path Forward: Can This Be Salvaged?

Club sources hope that positive results and performances for Madrid and Vinicius Jr will bring him closer to Alonso again, giving them a fresh start. Figures such as Perez and the club’s Spanish-Brazilian chief scout Juni Calafat are also considered key to navigating this situation.

However, with Vinicius having clearly stated his position that he will not renew while Alonso remains coach, Real Madrid faces an impossible choice: back their star player or support their manager’s authority. With the contract expiring in June 2027, the clock is ticking for the club to make a decision that could define the next era of Real Madrid football.

The coming months will be critical in determining whether this fractured relationship can be repaired, or if one of the game’s brightest talents will be forced to seek his future elsewhere—potentially representing one of the most significant departures in Real Madrid’s illustrious history.

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