Revealed: Vinicius Jr and Xabi Alonso Relationship is ‘Strictly Professional’ as Real Madrid Star Misses ‘Paternal’ Carlo Ancelotti Bond After Being Benched Again

Vinicius Jr and Xabi Alonso Relationship is ‘Strictly Professional’ Amid Lack of Ancelotti-Like Bond

The dynamic between a superstar winger and his manager can often define a football season — sometimes even a career arc. And at Real Madrid, where personalities are big and expectations even bigger, those relationships are magnified under a global microscope. Now, as tensions simmer beneath the surface, it has been revealed that Vinicius Jr and Xabi Alonso’s relationship is “strictly professional”, with the Brazilian reportedly longing for the warmer, almost paternal bond he once shared with Carlo Ancelotti.

The spark behind the conversation? Another evening spent on the bench. Vinicius, who only a year ago was considered untouchable, has been sidelined again — and it’s becoming a pattern.

What does it mean for Vinicius? What does it mean for Alonso? And what does it mean for a Real Madrid side still trying to rediscover its identity after a turbulent start to the season?

Let’s break down the story behind the headlines.

Xabi Alonso Plays Down Vinicius Exclusion — But Concerns Grow

According to a detailed report from Marca, Vinicius Jr isn’t entirely comfortable with the management style of Xabi Alonso. While Alonso continues to insist publicly that his decisions come from tactical reasoning and squad management, behind the scenes, things appear more fragile.

The Brazilian was benched again in the 2–2 draw against Elche — the fourth time this season he has been left out of the starting XI. Three of those omissions have been in La Liga, another came in the Champions League.

Sources close to the player insist the relationship remains “strictly professional”, but the contrast with the past is undeniable. Carlo Ancelotti wasn’t just a coach to Vinicius. He was a mentor, a protector — someone who believed in him even in the moments when criticism was loudest. Under Ancelotti, Vinicius blossomed. He became a decisive attacker, one of the best in the world, and an automatic starter during the 2023-24 campaign.

With Alonso, the vibe is colder. More distant. More businesslike.

And Vinicius is feeling that shift.

Mutual Decision? Alonso Explains — But Not Everyone is Convinced

After the draw against Elche, Xabi Alonso attempted to shut down speculation. He explained that Vinicius’ absence from the starting lineup was agreed upon beforehand, highlighting the Brazilian’s heavy workload during the final international window of 2025.

Vinicius had played 180 minutes across two friendlies for Brazil — against Senegal and Tunisia — and Alonso insisted the decision was purely physical:

“There’s no problem. We had discussed it as we often do. He knew the role he would play,” Alonso emphasised.

But Marca’s report — and Vinicius’ recent behaviour — paints a slightly more complex picture.

The tension reportedly began earlier in the season during El Clasico, when Alonso substituted Vinicius in the second half. The winger was visibly angry. That moment, according to the report, caused debate inside Valdebebas. Some supported Alonso’s strict approach; others questioned whether challenging the team’s creative focal point so early in the relationship was wise.

Whatever the truth, the situation is getting harder to ignore.

Rodrygo Started Instead — But His Struggles Continue

Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. – UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4

Alonso started Rodrygo on the left wing against Elche, a decision that — at least statistically — didn’t pay off. Rodrygo is enduring one of the most difficult stretches of form in his Real Madrid career. Not only is he failing to score, but he isn’t providing assists either. His goal drought across all competitions now stands at 29 matches.

The report described his performance as “clearly subpar,” noting that he lacked sharpness in the final third and struggled to influence the game meaningfully.

Rodrygo also played extensively for Brazil during the international break, but unlike Vinicius, he still received Alonso’s trust in the starting XI. That contrast has only deepened speculation around the manager’s hierarchy and decision-making.

Contract Renewal Talks in Jeopardy?

Where things get particularly sensitive for Real Madrid is the contractual angle. Marca reports that the ongoing talks to renew Vinicius Jr’s contract — which runs until June 2027 — have been complicated by the current situation.

A new deal is described as “far from being finalised.” And while the club knows Vinicius is one of their most valuable players, the winger reportedly feels unsettled by his intermittent role.

Despite that, Vinicius’ numbers remain solid. He has started 10 of 13 La Liga games and has contributed five goals and four assists. Even when not at his absolute peak, he remains one of Madrid’s most dangerous attacking weapons.

But football isn’t just about stats — it’s about relationships, trust, and clarity.

Right now, Vinicius doesn’t appear to have that same sense of security he once enjoyed.

Vinicius Missing That ‘Paternal’ Ancelotti Touch

This part of the story feels especially human, and perhaps explains the emotional weight behind it all. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius wasn’t just a player — he was a favourite, a project, a young star given freedom to grow without fear of mistakes.

Ancelotti treated him almost like a son, and that closeness helped unlock the winger’s potential. It created confidence, reinforced his expressive style of play, and allowed him to become a decisive figure in Real Madrid’s biggest matches.

With Xabi Alonso, things are more formal. More structured. More tactical.

The warmth is missing.

And for someone like Vinicius — emotional, expressive, and rhythm-based — that absence is significant.

What’s Next? Crucial Fixtures and Critical Decisions

Vinicius

Real Madrid don’t have the luxury of avoiding the issue. The calendar is unforgiving. Following the frustrating draw at Elche, Los Blancos now face:

• Olympiacos in the Champions League on Thursday

• Girona at home in La Liga on Monday, December 1

Two games, two competitions, and two opportunities for Alonso to either cool down the discussion — or ignite it further.

All eyes will be on the lineup. Will Vinicius return to the starting XI? Will Alonso continue rotating him? And will the winger’s reaction suggest the relationship is heading for improvement — or further strain?

A Situation to Watch — Because It Could Define Madrid’s Season

When a star player and a manager drift apart, the consequences can be felt across an entire dressing room. And at Real Madrid, relationships matter. This is a club built not just on talent, but on managing egos, expectations, histories, and futures.

Right now, the Vinicius Jr–Xabi Alonso dynamic is balanced on a thin line.
Professional? Yes.
Stable? Not entirely.
Sustainable? That depends on what happens next.

One thing is very clear: Real Madrid need Vinicius at his best, and Vinicius needs to feel fully trusted.

The next few weeks could tell us everything about how this story unfolds — and whether the winger’s long-term future in white remains as secure as it once seemed.