GistReel
Vinícius Júnior has communicated to Real Madrid that he does not intend to sign a contract extension as long as his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso remains difficult.
This is according to multiple sources familiar with a private meeting between the Brazilian and club president Florentino Pérez, reports The Athletic.
Talks stall as tensions deepen
The forward’s current deal runs until June 2027, with extension discussions opening in January but failing to progress.
His stance hardened during a meeting with Pérez after the October 26 Clásico win over Barcelona, where Vinícius apologised for angrily reacting to his 72nd-minute substitution by shouting: “Always me… I’m leaving the team.”
During the conversation, he made clear that committing to a renewal “is not the best option” under the present circumstances. That position has not shifted.
Background to the relationship breakdown
Sources close to the player have repeatedly raised concerns about Alonso’s handling of him since the manager replaced Carlo Ancelotti in May.
The tension dates back to Real Madrid’s 4-0 Club World Cup semi-final defeat to PSG on July 9, when Alonso initially planned to bench Vinícius before an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold forced a last-minute tactical change.
Even then, the Brazilian was deployed on the right rather than his preferred left flank.
Since that match, Vinícius has completed only five of Madrid’s 17 games across all competitions and has started from the bench four times, including Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Elche.
He feels the decisions are unfair and believes he is being marginalised.
Internal pressure grows
The situation has become a daily topic of debate within the club. When Vinícius published an apology letter following his Clásico outburst, observers noted he mentioned several figures, including Pérez, but omitted any reference to Alonso, a clear reflection of the ongoing strain.
The impasse now leaves Madrid facing a sensitive contract standoff with one of their most influential players, with no sign of a resolution while the current relationship remains fractured.