Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF celebrates a goal during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Betis and Real Madrid at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, Spain, on April 24, 2026. (Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

NurPhoto via Getty Images

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Few demonstrations of Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid struggles were more visible than his clashes with Vinícius Júnior.

Often substituted by the Basque coach, the Brazilian was seen making visible displays of frustration as he exited the field, appearing to challenge the coach’s decisions.

The action was bold, but since Alonso was ultimately fired, it demonstrated the dissatisfaction of one of the club’s prominent players.

In his own eyes, Vinícius is, as he said, after winning the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year award in late 2024, untouchable.

“I am the best player in the world and I fought hard for it. They tried and still try to invalidate me, to diminish me. But they are not prepared. No one is going to tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave."

Statistically, Vinícius’s goal contributions have not always matched the recognition he seeks.

Across five years, his 107 goal contributions rank 12th in Europe.

He trails Kylian Mbappe (209), Harry Kane (211), Mohamed Salah (181), and Erling Haaland (193).

While Vinícius is capable of remarkable moments, their consistency has not always matched the levels of their top peers.

Given his stats and with Madrid having one of Europe’s top goal contributors, it’s unsurprising that a team-focused manager wouldn’t build around him.

Vinícius’s public response to Alonso’s management suggested he was aware of his significant influence within the club.

Why wouldn’t he? The club boycotted the 2024 Ballon d’Or because Rodri, not Vinicius, won the award.

The prioritization of player influence over coaching decisions has coincided with less successful results for the club.

For a second season, Madrid has not secured a trophy; they currently trail Barcelona in the league and recently exited the Champions League after a loss to Bayern Munich.

Alonso’s successor, Álvaro Arbeloa, included high-profile players in his lineup, but this approach did not yield desired results.

Again, the statistics speak clearly: Alonso has 10 more wins than his predecessor, and his 70% win rate tops the current coach’s 63%.

The recent campaigns, shaped in part by prominent individual roles, have resulted in two seasons without trophies.

The current squad, built around notable signings such as Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, has struggled to establish clear on-field leadership.

As Predrag Mijatovic told AS, Madrid’s past success came from leaders, not just big names.

“Madrid lacks a leader on the field. The top scorer isn’t always the leader,” he said.

“For example, Zidane was the best for a while, but France’s leader was Deschamps. Now we need a Hierro, a Ramos, a Raúl.

“Someone who can do two or three things on the field and pull everything together.

“A leader, a coach on the field. Madrid has excellent players, but I don’t see a figure who’ll say, ‘What the hell are you guys doing? '

Madrid’s success came from adapting the Galactico policy to sign top names, not just prospects.

Indeed, Vinicius himself arrived in Spain as a player with great potential, not the finished product.

The return to all-star lineups began recently, and there is now apparent acknowledgement of the mistake.

Journalist Anton Meana, connected to the hierarchy, suggests as much at the turn of the year.

“It is the first time that, speaking with important people at the club, I perceive the feeling that the plan has failed regarding the generational relief in the centre of the field,”

Around 20 years ago, current president Florentino Pérez left the club with a statement that could apply to this team with each passing day.

“We have built a team of great players for which I am solely responsible,” he said.

“I have spoiled them, and they have become confused. I have acted like a father by giving the best to the kids, which has led to their confusion. I am the only one to blame."