On September 8, 2025, a new controversy rocks Real Madrid ahead of their LaLiga clash against Real Sociedad. Vinicius Junior, the club’s Brazilian star, has unleashed a storm by demanding that manager Xabi Alonso immediately exclude three players from the starting lineup for the upcoming match. According to sources close to the dressing room, Vinicius vehemently singled out one of the players, declaring, “He doesn’t deserve to be on the pitch,” due to his lack of commitment in training and unprofessional attitude. Surprisingly, Vinicius’s reasons have resonated not only with his teammates but also with fans, who have expressed their support on platforms such as X, making the topic a national trend.
The incident, which was leaked through various media outlets and social media posts, took place following a training session at Valdebebas, where Vinicius reportedly confronted Alonso privately. Although the names of the three players have not been officially confirmed, rumors suggest one of them is a young academy graduate who has had recent opportunities in the first team, but whose attitude in training has drawn internal criticism. Vinicius reportedly argued that these players’ lack of focus and professionalism is affecting the team’s collective performance, especially at a crucial point in the season, with Real Madrid looking to consolidate their position at the top of La Liga after a promising start under Alonso.
Vinicius’s stance is not an isolated incident. Since Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Real Madrid, the coach has emphasized the importance of collective commitment, demanding discipline and effort in every training session. This philosophy has been well received by most players, but it has also generated tension, especially with those who fail to meet the manager’s expectations. The intervention of Vinicius, who has established himself as one of the locker room leaders at 25 years of age, reflects the growing influence of his voice within the club. His frustration, according to sources, stems from the perception that certain teammates are not up to the demands of a team that aspires to dominate both in Spain and Europe.
On social media, the reaction has been overwhelming. Real Madrid fans have overwhelmingly backed Vinicius, with posts on X praising his leadership and commitment to the team. One user wrote: “Vinicius is right. If you don’t put in the effort in training, you don’t deserve to play. Great, Vini!” However, there are also critics who warn of the risk of creating divisions in the dressing room. One comment on X noted: “Vinicius should talk to Alonso privately, not make this public. This could break the harmony of the team.” Despite the divided opinions, the majority seem to agree with the Brazilian’s assessment of the lack of professionalism of those targeted.
The context of this controversy cannot be ignored. Alonso, who took over as manager in the summer of 2025, has implemented a meritocracy-based approach, where opportunities are earned through effort and performance. His decision to bench Vinicius in a previous match against Real Oviedo, as reported in several media outlets, had already sparked speculation about tensions between the manager and the star. However, Alonso publicly defended Vinicius, stating that “he is a fundamental player” and that his substitution was a tactical decision. Now, with Vinicius speaking out, it appears the two are aligned in their vision of a committed, no-excuses team.
The next match against Real Sociedad, scheduled for September 10, 2025, at the Reale Arena, will be a benchmark for gauging the impact of this situation. All eyes will be on Alonso’s starting lineup, with fans waiting to see if the three players singled out by Vinicius are excluded. Meanwhile, the club has opted for silence, with a spokesperson simply stating that “decisions regarding the starting lineup are the manager’s responsibility.” This stance suggests that Alonso has the final say, but pressure from Vinicius and fan support could influence his decision.
This episode highlights the internal dynamics of a Real Madrid team in transition under Alonso. Vinicius’s demands reflect not only his personal frustration but also the desire of a team seeking to regain its absolute dominance. As the season progresses, this incident could mark a turning point, defining Alonso’s authority and Vinicius’s role as a leader. For now, the football world waits with bated breath to see how this situation will be resolved, while the debate on social media continues to grow, making it clear that, at Real Madrid, no one is above the team
