Vinicius Junior has confirmed he did not maintain a positive relationship with Xabi Alonso during the Spaniard’s time at Real Madrid. The forward addressed the situation with Alonso following a notable incident during an “El Clásico” match in October 2026. Vinicius was substituted in the game when Real Madrid held a 2-1 lead, and in a visibly frustrated reaction, he left the field, stating, “Always me, better to leave [the club].” This exchange marked a significant turning point in their relationship, which had already been strained.
Despite subsequent public statements attempting to downplay the issue, the dynamic between the two players remained tense. Alonso’s decision to remove Vinicius from the game, while Real Madrid was ahead, exacerbated existing tensions within the squad. The incident is viewed as a key factor in the deterioration of relationships between players and the coaching staff during Alonso’s tenure.
