Vinicius Jr’s ‘Smile’ is Back! Xabi Alonso Confirms Talks Over Substitute Role After Real Madrid Star Was Benched Against Marseille

Vinicius Jr’s ‘Smile’ Returns Amid Talks Over Substitute Role at Real Madrid

There are few players in world football whose emotions are so visible on the pitch as Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian’s joy, his frustration, his hunger, and his pride are always written across his face. And in the past week, those emotions have been tested to their limit.

After being benched in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Marseille, Vini looked crestfallen, storming off the pitch and leaving the spotlight once again to Kylian Mbappé, who coolly converted penalties to seal the win. But according to head coach Xabi Alonso, that frustration has since given way to a more positive energy.

“Yesterday wasn’t the time to talk to Vinícius,” Alonso explained on Friday. “But today he had a better smile and was more positive. I spoke to him and did some individual work with him in training. We’ll see tomorrow.”

It was a telling glimpse into the delicate balancing act Alonso now faces—managing egos, managing expectations, and most importantly, managing one of the brightest talents in football who suddenly finds himself adjusting to a rotational role.

Vinicius Unsettled by Bench Role

For Madrid fans, the sight of Vinícius on the bench remains a jarring one. Just last year, he was hailed as a Ballon d’Or contender, the face of the club’s future, and the spark in attack when Karim Benzema departed. Now, however, the Brazilian has started on the bench in two of Madrid’s opening five matches this season.

The case of Vinícius is threatening to disrupt Madrid’s early-season momentum. Against Marseille, his frustration was clear: head down, quick exit, body language betraying the anger of a player who knows he belongs in the starting XI.

And then there’s the contrast with Mbappé. The Frenchman has already scored six goals in five matches, becoming the focal point of Alonso’s system almost overnight. Alongside him, Rodrygo has been favoured on the left flank—the position many fans associate with Vinícius’ most devastating performances.

For a player once labelled “untouchable” at the Bernabéu, this adjustment has been anything but comfortable.

Xabi Explains His Approach

Real Madrid C.F. v Olympique de Marseille – UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1

Alonso, however, is determined not to frame this as a demotion but as part of a broader plan.

“There are many important players in this squad,” he reminded reporters. “Vinícius is one of them, Jude [Bellingham], Fede [Valverde], Aurélien [Tchouaméni], Dean [Huijsen], Arda [Güler]… I want the whole team to feel important. Everyone is in this boat, and we need everyone to pull in the same direction.”

That message is clear: no single star will dictate the direction of this Madrid side, not even Mbappé. Yet actions often speak louder than words, and so far, Alonso has consistently built his team around the French striker. For Vinícius, who has always thrived as the main outlet in attack, this means an uncomfortable adjustment to life as a secondary figure.

Mbappé Leads, Vinicius Rotates in Champions League

The Champions League stage is where Vinícius has often shone brightest. From his stunning solo goals to match-winning assists, he has built a reputation as Madrid’s go-to man in Europe. That’s what made his bench role against Marseille so striking.

Instead, it was Mbappé who carried the narrative once again, scoring twice and reaffirming his status as Madrid’s new talisman. Rodrygo’s role on the left, meanwhile, left Vinícius looking like a luxury option rather than a necessity.

For a player who feeds on rhythm and confidence, irregular minutes could pose a serious problem. And yet, Alonso seems determined to rotate his stars to keep the squad fresh across a grueling season. The question is whether Vinícius—still only 24 but already accustomed to stardom—can adapt to this reality.

Espanyol Challenge Looms in La Liga

Madrid’s immediate focus now shifts back to La Liga, where they face an in-form Espanyol side at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Catalans have been one of the surprise packages of the season, sitting third with ten points from their opening four games, including impressive wins over Atlético Madrid, Osasuna, and Mallorca.

Espanyol also have recent history against Madrid to draw upon. Back in February, they stunned Los Blancos with a 1-0 victory—a result that still stings for many in the capital. And while they haven’t won at the Bernabéu since 1996, their current form, buoyed by new ownership and summer arrivals like Tyrhys Dolan and goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović, means they will not arrive in Madrid lacking confidence.

For Alonso, the question is clear: does he restore Vinícius to the starting XI for this crucial clash, or does he continue to ease him into a rotational role?

Squad Management and Selection Dilemmas

Beyond Vinícius, Madrid’s squad management is already being tested. Trent Alexander-Arnold is sidelined with injury, Mbappé is shouldering the scoring load, and Alonso must find the right balance to navigate both domestic and European commitments.

The dilemma with Vinícius is particularly delicate. Benching him risks creating frustration and possibly unsettling the dressing room, but restoring him without a clear tactical plan could disrupt the balance that has allowed Mbappé to thrive.

It’s a luxury problem—managing too much talent rather than too little—but it’s also the type of challenge that defines great managers. Alonso’s handling of this situation may well shape not just Madrid’s season but also his own credibility in his first year as head coach.

Real Madrid C.F. v Olympique de Marseille – UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1

The Bigger Picture: Vinicius’ Reaction Could Define Madrid’s Season

What makes this situation fascinating is that it’s about more than just tactics. It’s about personality, adaptation, and leadership.

Vinícius has always been a player of raw emotion. When he’s happy, his smile lights up the Bernabéu. When he’s frustrated, that frustration is impossible to hide. Alonso’s comments about seeing that “better smile” in training are telling. If Vinícius feels valued, if he feels trusted, he can be unstoppable. If not, Madrid risk losing one of their most dynamic weapons to self-doubt.

The coming weeks will therefore be crucial. Will Vinícius embrace the challenge, channeling his frustrations into performances that force Alonso’s hand? Or will the tension of rotation undermine his confidence and unsettle Madrid’s attacking chemistry?

Conclusion: Vinicius Jr’s Smile is Back—But For How Long?

For now, Madrid fans can take solace in the fact that Vinícius’ smile has returned. He is training positively, engaging with Alonso, and ready for the next challenge. But smiles in football can fade quickly, especially for players used to being the center of attention.

As Madrid prepare for Espanyol, the focus isn’t just on maintaining their two-point lead at the top of La Liga. It’s on finding the right formula to keep both Mbappé and Vinícius firing together, rather than at odds.

Because if Vinícius Jr. can rediscover not just his smile but also his best form, then Real Madrid won’t just be winning matches—they’ll be unstoppable.