Sep 24, 2025, Posted by: Ra'eesa Moosa
Background to the Rumors
During the first half of the season, a few on‑field incidents and off‑field comments sparked a firestorm of speculation. After a heated Encounter with Barcelona, Vinícius Junior was seen gesturing towards the bench, and a murmuring crowd jumped to the conclusion that his relationship with Xabi Alonso was fraying. Social media blew up, with fans posting screenshots of alleged text exchanges and pundits debating whether the Portuguese manager’s tactical tweaks were sidelining the Brazilian star.
Adding fuel to the fire, a Spanish tabloid quoted an unnamed squad member suggesting a “tension” between the two. That snippet alone was enough for headlines across Europe, prompting a flood of questions on whether Real Madrid’s attacking rhythm was at risk as the club pushes for a double.
- Vinícius scored 12 goals in the first 10 league games, yet his involvement in build‑up play appeared to dip.
- Alonso experimented with a deeper midfield shape, which some interpreted as a move to curb the winger’s freedom.
- Fans noticed fewer celebratory gestures between the manager and the player during post‑match interviews.
Alonso’s Response and Team Impact
In a press conference held at the Santiago Bernabéu, Alonso addressed the swirl directly. He said, “I have the utmost respect for Vinícius; there is no ‘issue’ between us. We are both focused on the same goal – winning titles.” The manager’s calm tone and straightforward denial seemed designed to shut down the rumor mill.
Vinícius, when asked later by a journalist, smiled and replied that he trusts the coach’s vision and is “just happy to play”. Both statements were captured on camera and quickly circulated, helping to restore a sense of normalcy around the dressing room.
Inside the squad, several senior players were quoted saying the team’s chemistry remains strong, and that the speculation was a distraction rather than a reality. The club’s sporting director also released a brief note emphasizing a “unified front” as Real Madrid prepares for its upcoming matches against Atletico Madrid and a Champions League knockout tie.
While the media may continue to hunt for drama, the prevailing narrative now is one of confidence. With Vinícius senioring as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers and Alonso’s tactical acumen still steering the side, the focus shifts back to performance on the pitch rather than alleged backstage drama. Vinícius Junior remains a key figure in Real’s attack, and the club’s next fixtures will be the true test of whether any lingering doubts have any bearing on results.
Author
Ra'eesa Moosa
I am a journalist with a keen interest in covering the intricate details of daily events across Africa. My work focuses on delivering accurate and insightful news reports. Each day, I strive to bring light to the stories that shape our continent's narrative. My passion for digging deeper into issues helps in crafting stories that not only inform but also provoke thought.