Vinicius Junior's performance highlights the struggles of Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso. The team's recent match against Real Betis showcased these challenges.
Key points
Vinicius Junior scored during the match against Real Betis
Real Madrid is struggling under coach Xabi Alonso
Clashes between Vinicius Junior and the coaching staff are evident
The match took place at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville
Real MadridReal BetisVinicius Junior
Real Betis V Real Madrid - La Liga EA Sports
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 Alonsoâs Real Madrid struggles were more visible than his clashes with VinĂcius JĂșnior.
Often substituted by the Basque coach, the Brazilian was seen making visible displays of frustration as he exited the field, appearing to challenge the coachâs decisions.
The action was bold, but since Alonso was ultimately fired, it demonstrated the dissatisfaction of one of the clubâs prominent players.
In his own eyes, VinĂcius is, as he said, after winning the FIFA Best Menâs Player of the Year award in late 2024, untouchable.
âI 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, VinĂciusâs goal contributions have not always matched the recognition he seeks.
Across five years, his 107 goal contributions rank 12th in Europe.
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Given his stats and with Madrid having one of Europeâs top goal contributors, itâs unsurprising that a team-focused manager wouldnât build around him.
VinĂciusâs public response to Alonsoâs management suggested he was aware of his significant influence within the club.
Why wouldnât he? The club boycotted the 2024 Ballon dâOr 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.
FC Bayern MĂŒnchen v Real Madrid CF - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern MĂŒnchen and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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Alonsoâs successor, Ălvaro 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 coachâs 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, Madridâs past success came from leaders, not just big names.
âMadrid lacks a leader on the field. The top scorer isnât always the leader,â he said.
âFor example, Zidane was the best for a while, but Franceâs leader was Deschamps. Now we need a Hierro, a Ramos, a RaĂșl.
âSomeone who can do two or three things on the field and pull everything together.
âA leader, a coach on the field. Madrid has excellent players, but I donât see a figure whoâll say, âWhat the hell are you guys doing? '
Madridâs 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.
âIt 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,â
âWe have built a team of great players for which I am solely responsible,â he said.
âI 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."
This article was originally published on Forbes.com