Vinicius Jr to Stay on the Bench? Xabi Alonso Hints Brazil Star Won’t Be Restored to Starting XI as Real Madrid Boss Hails ‘Impact’ as Substitute
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is reluctant to alter his starting XI, even after Vinicius Jr’s match-winning cameo against Real Oviedo.

Vinicius Jr to Stay on the Bench? Xabi Alonso Hints Brazil Star Won’t Be Restored to Starting XI as Real Madrid Boss Hails ‘Impact’ as Substitute

A Bold Statement From the Bernabéu

When Xabi Alonso speaks, Real Madrid fans listen. The new manager is barely into his reign at the Santiago Bernabéu, yet his words already carry a sharp edge of authority. And this week, ahead of Los Blancos’ clash with Mallorca, Alonso dropped the kind of subtle but seismic hint that could define the early narrative of his tenure: Vinicius Jr may not regain his place in the starting XI anytime soon.

That’s right. The man who has danced past defenders, scored in Champions League finals, and become Brazil’s poster boy for flair and fearlessness might have to settle for a role as Madrid’s most dangerous substitute.

What Happened Against Oviedo

The shock came last weekend when Madrid faced Real Oviedo. In what was expected to be a routine La Liga fixture, Alonso made a surprising call — benching Vinicius and opting for Rodrygo on the left wing instead.

The decision raised eyebrows, but the result was emphatic: Madrid cruised to a 3-0 victory. And when Vinicius did enter the fray, he did what Vinicius does. One goal. One assist. Match over.

Alonso’s gamble looked like genius. Yet it raised a question that has since dominated Spanish headlines: is Vinicius Jr no longer an automatic starter at Real Madrid?

Xabi Alonso’s Subtle Hint

Speaking to the media before Madrid’s home game with Mallorca, Alonso was careful but telling.

“I’m very happy with Vini. Against Oviedo, he showed he can have a big impact off the bench,” the Madrid boss said.

And then came the kicker:

“In a locker room, the key is that everyone is willing to contribute, whether on the pitch or off. Truly believing in this is fundamental. And everyone here does. Vinicius is important in this, Valverde, Courtois… they’re all very important.”

It was a diplomatic statement, but the undertone was unmistakable. Alonso sees value in Vinicius as a weapon to unleash, not necessarily a guaranteed starter.

The Bigger Picture: Contract Tensions and Dressing Room Politics

The situation doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Behind the scenes, contract talks between Madrid and Vinicius have stalled. The Brazilian has been holding out for improved terms, and Madrid, cautious of their long-term financial planning, have been reluctant to meet his demands without hesitation.

To complicate matters, club legend Pedja Mijatovic recently suggested the unthinkable: that Madrid should consider selling Vinicius. Those comments stirred debate across Spain, with pundits and fans split over whether the 25-year-old remains untouchable.

For Alonso, managing this backdrop is as tricky as managing the midfield. Keeping the dressing room harmonious while simultaneously setting high standards will be one of his defining challenges.

Why Vinicius on the Bench Might Actually Make Sense

At first glance, dropping Vinicius seems absurd. He’s one of the most talented wingers in the world. But Alonso’s tactical mind is shaped by years of studying the game at the highest level, both as a player and as a coach.

Consider this:

  • Madrid’s depth in attack is staggering. Between Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and the ever-reliable Federico Valverde, Alonso has options.

  • Impact substitutions are becoming increasingly valuable in modern football, with players coming on against tired legs and changing games. Vinicius off the bench is arguably more terrifying than Vinicius from the start.

  • Squad unity is key. Alonso wants every player, from the captain to the academy graduate, to feel that minutes must be earned. No automatic starters, no sacred cows.

In short, Alonso is making a point. Madrid is bigger than any one star.

Fan Reactions: Shock, Support, and Skepticism

Unsurprisingly, Madridistas are split. Some see Alonso’s stance as refreshing. Others worry it risks alienating one of their crown jewels.

On Spanish radio call-ins this week, one fan exclaimed: “You don’t bench Vinicius. He is Real Madrid’s spark. Without him, we lose our identity.”

Another countered: “We cried out for years about pampered stars who didn’t work for the team. Alonso is right. No one should be untouchable.”

The debate rages on, with Spanish newspapers framing it as the first big test of Alonso’s authority.

The Pedja Mijatovic Bombshell

The backdrop wouldn’t be complete without the comments of Pedja Mijatovic, scorer of Madrid’s winning goal in the 1998 Champions League final. Mijatovic made headlines when he suggested the club should cash in on Vinicius while his value remains sky-high.

“Real Madrid is about balance, not one player. If the time comes to sell, they must consider it,” he said on Cadena SER.

Those words struck a nerve, sparking fiery debate among fans and pundits alike. Alonso, for his part, brushed them aside, but they add further intrigue to the winger’s uncertain future.

Did You Know?

  • Vinicius joined Madrid in 2018 as a 16-year-old for €45 million, making him one of the most expensive teenagers in football history.

  • He scored the winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool, cementing his status as a club hero.

  • Last season, despite injuries, he managed 15 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.

  • He has become the face of Nike’s Brazilian campaigns, underlining his commercial as well as sporting value.

What Next for Vinicius Jr?

Vinicius Real Madrid 2025

All eyes turn to Saturday evening, when Madrid host Mallorca at the Bernabéu. Will Alonso restore Vinicius to the starting XI, bowing to fan pressure and reputation? Or will he double down on his Oviedo gamble, keeping the Brazilian on the bench until the second half?

If Alonso chooses the latter, the message will be clear: no player is bigger than the team.

For Vinicius, the challenge is equally stark. He must decide whether to embrace the role of Madrid’s ultimate impact player — or push for assurances about his status, on the pitch and at the negotiating table.

A Defining Moment for Alonso’s Madrid

In truth, this isn’t just about Vinicius Jr. It’s about Xabi Alonso stamping his authority on a club notorious for big personalities and bigger egos. From the Galáctico era to the Ronaldo years, Madrid has often bent to the will of its stars. Alonso appears determined to flip that script.

His early reign may yet be remembered as the moment Madrid shifted from star-driven to system-driven football.

But here’s the irony: for Alonso to succeed, he’ll still need Vinicius at his best. Whether that’s from the first whistle or the 60th minute remains to be seen.

Final Word

Vinicius Jr on the bench? It sounds almost sacrilegious. But in Xabi Alonso’s Madrid, no one is safe. The only certainty is that the drama at the Bernabéu is far from over.

For now, the Brazilian remains Madrid’s ace card — whether in the starting XI or lurking, devastatingly, on the bench.

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