Key Takeaways:
- Vinícius Júnior has informed Florentino Pérez he cannot continue working under Xabi Alonso
- The Brazilian winger’s contract with Real Madrid runs until 2027 and he will not renew if Alonso remains in charge
- A failed reconciliation attempt has left Vinícius Júnior demanding the coach’s dismissal after a heated derby with Barcelona
Background: Growing Tensions at the Santiago Bernabéu
Tensions within Real Madrid’s dressing room have intensified as Vinícius Júnior has issued a stark ultimatum to club president Florentino Pérez concerning his working relationship with Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian winger has reportedly told Pérez that his future at the club is incompatible with Alonso’s tenure as manager, stating: “It’s either him or me!” According to reports, should Alonso remain as coach, Vinícius Júnior will refuse to extend his contract beyond its current 2027 expiry.
O sea que Vinicius le ha dicho a Florentino que o se va Xabi o se va él en verano. Con el equipo líder de la liga. A dos meses de empezar la competición. Muy bien. Todo porque no le gustan sus métodos de entrenamiento. pic.twitter.com/NMrjylTmCR
— (fan) Yihi (@YihiRM) November 11, 2025
Unresolved Dispute Following Barcelona Derby
The rift between the player and the coach reportedly deepened following a derby clash with Barcelona, which saw a particularly serious confrontation between the two figures. Vinícius Júnior subsequently issued a public apology directed at fans and team-mates, but notably omitted any mention of Alonso, highlighting the fractured nature of their relationship. Efforts to mend the situation, including a private meeting convened by Florentino Pérez in Alonso’s office, have failed to restore harmony.
Contract Renewal Crisis
The future of Vinícius Júnior – Real Madrid’s number seven – has become a source of controversy within the club. Florentino Pérez is eager to keep the Brazilian international, who has matured and developed his career at the Santiago Bernabéu, at Real Madrid for the long term. However, fresh claims from the Spanish media indicate that Vinícius Júnior feels he has been slighted by what he perceives as Alonso’s lack of respect for his stature in the team.
Summary and Implications
Vinícius Júnior has reportedly demanded that Alonso be dismissed as coach, making his continued commitment to the club conditional upon a change in management. Should Florentino Pérez opt to maintain Alonso’s position over the Brazilian winger, Vinícius Júnior will not sign a new deal, potentially making him free to depart as a free agent when his current contract expires in 2027. As noted by the Spanish press, this standoff represents one of the most contentious issues currently facing the La Liga leaders.
