Vinicius Junior has been the primary beneficiary of Xabi Alonso’s dismissal from Real Madrid, a fact impressively supported by recent statistics.
The Brazilian has scored the most goals in Europe’s top leagues since Alvaro Arbeloa took over, trailing only Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munich.
In numbers: Since Arbeloa’s appointment, Vinicius has netted 15 goals in 23 appearances. During the same period, Kane has scored 24 times for the German record champions. Under Alonso, the forward had been considerably less prolific in front of goal, scoring only seven times in 33 matches.
It is reportedly understood that Vinicius was largely dissatisfied with Alonso’s working methods and style. Differences arose repeatedly, and the situation escalated after the player was substituted in El Clásico in October. These tensions apparently contributed to Alonso’s early departure after the loss in the Spanish Super Cup final in January, also against Barcelona. Vinicius himself confirmed months later that their relationship was not smooth.
According to a report by Spanish radio station *COPE*, the origin of the disagreements may lie even further back. Tensions are said to have emerged during the Club World Cup last summer, shortly after Alonso had taken over as head coach from Carlo Ancelotti.
Vinicius reportedly reacted angrily upon learning that he was to be benched in favor of an attacking combination with Kylian Mbappé and Gonzalo García. Alonso responded by altering his original plan and including the superstar in the starting lineup after all.
Real Madrid: Alvaro Arbeloa Already Facing the Exit Again
However, peace has not returned to Madrid even under Arbeloa. Quite the contrary. After being eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern, Real has also lost ground in the Spanish league. Arch-rivals FC Barcelona can secure the title next Sunday in the return El Clásico match. For the second consecutive season, Vinicius and his teammates will most likely end the season without a major title.
Meanwhile, Arbeloa is said to have alienated numerous Real Madrid players. The atmosphere in the locker room is reportedly ‘explosive,’ as several Spanish media outlets have recently reported. This is another reason why the former Madrid player is reportedly on the verge of dismissal again. The search for a new coach is allegedly already in full swing, with President Florentino Pérez’s favorite for the post reportedly being Jose Mourinho.
Vinicius, on the other hand, is nearing a contract extension. His current contract runs until 2027. More than a year ago, the forward had publicly announced that he would sign a new contract with the Spanish top club soon. As this has not happened to date, speculation that the Brazilian might leave Madrid has persisted. It is now reported that both parties have agreed to continue their collaboration, with only details remaining to be finalized.