Real Madrid Camp Split in Two: Pro and Anti-Xabi Alonso

Key Takeaways:

• Real Madrid have failed to win in their last three matches, most recently drawing 2-2 at Elche
• Reports in Spain have claimed six players are dissatisfied with manager Xabi Alonso, while five are backing him
• Vinicius Jr has been left out of the starting XI four times this season and is rumoured to be in conflict with Alonso

Rising Tensions Behind the Scenes at Real Madrid

The atmosphere at Real Madrid is growing increasingly turbulent both on and off the pitch. After a 2-2 draw against struggling Elche marked their third consecutive match without victory, concern has begun to engulf the club, which is accustomed to existing in a near-constant state of high drama.

Spanish media sources have reported deepening divisions within the dressing room, with the squad allegedly divided into two groups – those disillusioned with manager Xabi Alonso and those continuing to support him. The recent results, including a goalless stalemate at Rayo Vallecano and a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool, have heightened the sense of turmoil.

🚨 JUST IN: Real Madrid are backing Xabi Alonso, the commitment to him is FIRM.

From the club, they INSIST: “He is the BOSS”. @marca 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/fttHM4H1OD

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) November 25, 2025

Alleged Player Factions and Internal Discord

According to the Spanish radio programme El Partidazo de COPE, as many as six first-team players are thought to be unhappy under Alonso’s leadership. The so-called ‘anti-Xabi’ contingent reportedly consists of Fede Valverde, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy. Uncertainty surrounds the position of Eduardo Camavinga, as his playing time has also been reduced.

One of the most significant reported conflicts involves Vinicius Jr, whose relationship with Alonso is described by local outlets as having deteriorated sharply. The Brazilian international was omitted from the starting line-up for the weekend fixture against Elche – his fourth such exclusion this season – and has only completed the full match on four occasions so far.

Further speculation suggests Vinicius Jr may be delaying signing a contract extension until his future under the current manager is clarified, potentially causing concern among the club’s senior management.

Players Reportedly Aligning with Alonso

Not all players are thought to be opposed to Alonso. COPE has identified a group of five squad members who remain firmly in support of the manager: Huijsen, Carreras, Courtois, Arda Guler, and Kylian Mbappe, who is now seen as a central figure in Real Madrid’s ongoing project.

Meanwhile, the attitudes of England internationals Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain unclear based on current reports.

Recent Performance and Ongoing Uncertainty

Despite having won ten of their opening eleven LaLiga fixtures under Alonso and retaining a slender lead at the top of the table over Barcelona, Real Madrid now face intense scrutiny as internal divisions become increasingly public. Suspicion of player mutiny and a lack of unity threaten to undermine their position as title contenders while the coming weeks are set to be critical for the club’s stability.