The growing tension between Vinícius Jr. and Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has become one of the most talked-about stories in European football. Following his angry reaction to being substituted during El Clásico, the Brazilian forward’s situation has sparked debates among Real-Madrid fans, pundits, and insiders alike.
While questions have been raised about his professionalism, statistics show that Vinícius Jr.’s frustration is not without reason. His reduced playing time and early substitutions under Alonso suggest a player who feels undervalued at Real Madrid, despite his consistent performances.
Real Madrid Playing Time – A Decline Under Xabi Alonso
According to SPORT, since Xabi Alonso took charge of Real Madrid, Vinícius Jr. has completed the full 90 minutes in only 4 of 18 matches — an unusually low figure for a player of his stature. His full games came against Juventus in the FIFA Club World Cup and Levante, Atletico Madrid, and Villarreal in La Liga.
In three other fixtures, he started on the bench before being introduced in the second half, while in the remaining eleven, he was substituted off early.
| Season / Manager | Games Played | Full 90 Minutes | Percentage of Matches Completed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 (Xabi Alonso) | 18 | 4 | 22% |
| 2023–24 (Carlo Ancelotti) | 51 | 23 | 45% |
| 2022–23 (Carlo Ancelotti) | 49 | 18 | 36% |
| 2020–21 (Zinedine Zidane) | 46 | 6 | 14% |
This statistical decline underlines why Vinícius Jr. feels sidelined within the current Real-Madrid setup. The last time his playing time was this limited was in 2020–21 when he was still considered a young prospect under Zinedine Zidane.
Real Madrid Tactical Shift Causes Friction
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid relied heavily on Vinícius Jr.’s creativity and pace down the left wing. He was a key attacking force, often playing the full 90 minutes in high-stakes games.
However, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid operates with a more rigid tactical structure that prioritizes defensive shape and controlled possession. This system reduces Vinícius’ creative freedom, forcing him into a more disciplined role that doesn’t always suit his natural attacking instincts.
Furthermore, seven of his eleven substitutions have come before the 75th minute, cutting short his impact. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, Alonso’s preferred frontman, is rarely substituted — an imbalance that has only deepened Vinícius’ dissatisfaction within Real Madrid.
Comparing Real Madrid Eras – Ancelotti vs. Alonso
Vinícius Jr.’s playing time paints a vivid picture of how his role within Real-Madrid has changed over time. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian completed full matches in nearly half of the club’s fixtures, reflecting the coach’s trust in his offensive abilities.
Under Xabi Alonso, however, the data shows a clear reduction in responsibility and influence. For a player who has been pivotal in Real Madrid’s success over recent seasons, including multiple Champions League and La Liga titles, this decline represents more than just a tactical shift — it symbolizes a potential loss of faith from the coaching staff.
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The Mbappé Factor and Real Madrid Hierarchy
The arrival of Kylian Mbappé has reshaped the attacking hierarchy at Real Madrid. Once the face of the club’s future, Vinícius Jr . now finds himself competing for attention and influence. Sources close to the club suggest that Vinícius is unhappy with the preferential treatment given to Mbappé, who enjoys near-untouchable status in Alonso’s system.
This growing imbalance not only affects Vinícius’ morale but also complicates his ongoing Real Madrid contract renewal talks. Reports indicate he is seeking salary parity with Mbappé, a demand that could test the club’s financial and dressing-room balance.
Real Madrid Management Seeks Stability
Despite the friction, Real Madrid are working internally to ease tensions between Alonso and Vinícius Jr. The club understands that both parties are crucial to maintaining team harmony and long-term success. Alonso respects Vinícius’ talent, while the player acknowledges that consistent performances can help him reclaim his indispensable role at Real Madrid.
Experts believe reconciliation is possible, especially if the club continues to compete for major titles. The partnership between Vinícius and Mbappé, if managed properly, could become the most devastating attacking duo in Europe — something Real Madrid fans are eager to see realized.
Conclusion: Real Madrid Must Balance Ego and Excellence
The statistics don’t lie — Vinícius Jr.’s diminished role under Xabi Alonso at Real -Madrid justifies his frustration, even if his public reaction was misplaced. His reduced minutes, early substitutions, and tactical restrictions are valid reasons for discontent.
However, with his undeniable talent and passion, Vinícius remains a cornerstone of Real -Madrid’s future. The club’s challenge will be balancing tactical evolution with player empowerment, ensuring that both Alonso and Vinícius Jr. align their visions for the greater good of Real-Madrid.
