Real Madrid reports reveal discord between coach and player; Vinícius is dissatisfied with Alonso's tactics involving rotation and defensive duties.

Since Alonso took over as Real Madrid's head coach, Mbappé has emerged as the team's primary star, causing Vinícius, the former world footballer of the year, to lose ground in the squad hierarchy. Alonso's tactics require Vinícius to vie with Rodrygo for the main left-wing position, with both players sharing playing time. After five league matches, Vinícius has featured in all five, starting four and coming on as a substitute once, and he has been taken off early in four games. Additionally, Alonso's strategy demands that Vinícius actively participate in defensive duties.

According to the latest news from Spanish outlet AS, contract renewal talks between Real Madrid and Vinícius have reached a deadlock. Besides disagreements over salary demands, Vinícius is reportedly unhappy with coach Alonso's tactical approach. His agent recently visited Real Madrid’s training ground for a two-hour negotiation with club executives, but a roughly 15% gap in wage expectations remains unresolved, with neither side willing to concede. Vinícius publicly states his desire to renew with Real Madrid but expresses displeasure with Alonso’s tactics, essentially disliking them. He feels Alonso requires him to engage too much in defense, which compromises his greatest strengths in dribbling and attack, and believes he has been marginalized by the coach’s decisions, no longer considered a core player—this is a coaching staff decision, not one from the club’s upper management.

Vinícius, aged 25, is under contract with Real Madrid until the end of June 2027. Valued at €170 million by Transfermarkt, he has played 328 matches for the club, scoring 108 goals and providing 88 assists, showcasing his ability to pass, shoot, and dribble effectively.