Description Real Madrid’s star forward Vinicius Junior has informed club president Florentino Pérez that he has no plans to extend his current contract, which expires in June 2027, amid escalating tensions with head coach Xabi Alonso. The 25-year-old Brazilian, who joined from Flamengo in 2018, conveyed this stance during a private meeting last month, explicitly linking his decision to the strained relationship with Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in May 2025. Renewal discussions, initiated in January 2025, have hit a deadlock over financial terms—Madrid offering €20 million annually—and Vinicius’s perceived diminished role under Alonso.

Vinicius is among five squad members reportedly unhappy with Alonso’s tactical approach and rotation policy, which has seen him complete only five of Madrid’s 17 matches across all competitions this season. The rift traces back to a 4-0 Club World Cup semi-final loss to PSG on July 9, 2025, where Alonso benched him and later deployed him on the right wing—a position the winger dislikes. Tensions boiled over publicly during the October 26 El Clásico 2-1 win over Barcelona, when Vinicius, after tormenting defender Jules Koundé and assisting the winner, was substituted in the 71st minute for Rodrygo and reacted furiously on the bench, storming off without acknowledging Alonso. He later apologized publicly to fans and Pérez but omitted Alonso’s name, intensifying speculation.

Despite the discord, Vinicius remains a pivotal player, boasting a 7.40 average rating with 5 goals and 4 assists in 13 La Liga appearances this season. Alonso, in his debut Bernabéu campaign post-Leverkusen success, has guided Madrid to a strong start, but the impasse raises questions about Vinicius’s long-term future, with potential interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and PSG if no resolution is reached. Neither party has issued an official statement, but the saga dominates headlines amid Madrid’s title chase.