Ever since Vinícius Júnior was announced as the runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings behind Manchester City's Rodri, he has failed to scale the phenomenal heights of the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons. Interestingly, both seasons culminated in Champions League glory for Real Madrid.
In the 2024-25 season, which was Carlo Ancelotti's swansong at the Santiago Bernabéu, Los Blancos shockingly failed to capture major silverware, despite acquiring, at long last, the elusive signature of Kylian Mbappé. Vini Jr. had a forgettable season, even though he scored 22 goals and delivered 19 assists in 58 games across all competitions.
With the arrival of Xabi Alonso over the summer, big changes were expected. While the 25-year-old retained his place in the XI at the Club World Cup, he was used in rotation with Rodrygo at left wing in the initial fixtures of the ongoing season. Vini, though, continued to show flashes of his brilliance, notching five goals in his first eight La Liga appearances.
In fact, he produced an incredible performance against bitter rivals Barcelona in October's 2-1 El Clásico win at home. Despite not registering a goal or an assist, he tore the Catalans' defence – especially right-back Jules Koundé – to shreds. He seemed like a man on a mission, determined to help Los Blancos break their four-game losing streak against Hansi Flick's reigning league champions.
In the second half, Alonso decided to make some substitutions and brought off Vini Jr., much to the Brazilian's disappointment. In a furious outburst, he reportedly muttered the words, "Always me... I am leaving the team. I am leaving. It's better I leave." He headed straight to the tunnel, making angry gestures, before returning to the Real Madrid bench ahead of full-time.
In the aftermath of the game, Vini issued a public apology, addressing the fans and his fellow teammates. When reporters asked Alonso how he felt about Vini's reaction after the win over Barca, the head coach claimed that he would discuss the matter with the Madrid No.7 in private.
At the moment, the situation appears to have settled down, with the club, Vini, and Alonso seemingly having put the issue behind them. Addressing rumours of a potentially strained relationship between the player and the boss, former Real Madrid left-back and icon Marcelo had some words of advice for his compatriot.
"Right now, his intelligence and passing speed are undeniable... What's happening outside? I'm not the person to give advice," Marcelo said on Iker Casillas' Bajo Palos podcast (
as quoted by El Desmarque).
"When you're at Real Madrid, you're in the spotlight, we've all been in the spotlight. Vinicius's situation is a bit more intense. Talking to people, coaches... It's a problem for yourself. I think he needs to keep quiet, train, play, score goals, and let them talk, let them talk, let them talk... Stay calm, which is what he's doing now."
For now, it appears that Vini has sealed his status as the first-choice left winger under Alonso. The duo even exchanged a warm embrace after he was brought off in Real Madrid's most recent encounter, a convincing 3-0 win over Athletic Club at San Mames.
His future, however, remains a big topic for speculation. His exorbitant wage demands have reportedly not gone down well with the club's hierarchy. With the World Cup less than seven months away, it will be important for both Vini and Madrid to resolve his future in the Spanish capital, given that his contract expires in June 2027.
A happy and smiling Vini Jr. is a player who is perhaps the best player in the world on his day. Filtering out the external noise will be crucial for the former Flamengo starboy to return to his devastating best for the 15-time Champions League winners.
Real Madrid are unplayable when Vini Jr. is unplayable, and Alonso will be in desperate need for the Brazil international to consistently produce his best version if he is to deal with the unprecedented pressure of managing the world's biggest football club.