After Real Madrid asked for a pay raise, Vinicius made an incredible plea: “If that 20-year-old kid is still here, I’m leaving the club.” Xabi Alonso immediately said that Vinicius’s response had silenced him out of embarrassment.

Following the dramatic events at Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior has once again found himself at the center of debate. The Brazilian star, who had been in tension with the club, reportedly issued a disconcerting ultimatum: Vinicius, the 20-year-old Santiago Bernabéu star, wants to leave the team. However, this bold statement quickly received a harsh and cold response from manager Xabi Alonso, leaving Vinicius in a difficult situation and sparking widespread debate among fans and experts.

Vinicius, 25, earns €35 million per year, while his teammate Kylian Mbappé, on €25 million, has demanded a pay rise equivalent to his. Real Madrid, under Florentino Pérez, has implemented a strict salary structure that sets a net salary cap of around €20 million per season for veteran players. Although Vinicius offered himself an increase of this figure, the club refused to accede to Mbappé’s demand for equal pay to maintain financial discipline and avoid wage fluctuations among other stars. This rejection fueled tension, as negotiations had stalled and Vinicius had raised doubts about the club’s long-term future.

Vinicius’s latest request has further aggravated the situation. Sources close to the club claim that the winger, disappointed by his lack of prestige compared to Mbappé, has turned his attention to young Brazilian striker Endrick, who has moved to Real Madrid. Endrick, considered the star of his generation, has gradually integrated into the squad and has made a limited number of appearances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. However, Vinicius reportedly sees the youngster’s presence as a threat to his position and has therefore issued a blunt ultimatum: either Endrick leaves, or he does.

This request was well received by both the club’s board and fans. Vinicius, a towering figure with multiple Champions League titles, has long expressed his affection for the club, with the club once stating, “I hope I can stay here for many years. This is the club of my life.” However, his recent behavior indicates a growing dissatisfaction with his difficulty adapting to Alonso’s tactical system. In June 2025, the Spanish manager, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti, implemented a 3-5-2 formation and used Vinicius as part of the forward duo instead of the left-back he usually preferred. This change, coupled with Alonso’s emphasis on pace and defensive work, strained the relationship between the two.

Alonso, known for his outspokenness, didn’t hesitate to respond to Vinicius’s ultimatum. Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals was celebrated in a press conference after the coach’s harsh response. “This is Real Madrid. No player is bigger than the club, and no one dictates the terms,” ​​said Alonso. “Endrick is a young talent with enormous potential, and we are building a team for the future.” His calm but decisive words underscored his authority, and by leaving Vinicius virtually motionless, he effectively silenced the winger’s angry outburst.

The effects of this shadow loom over Vinicius’s future. While he has remained a global talent with 36 goals in 50 games this season, his recent form has been criticized. The club was forced to play against Al-Hilal during the World Cup and he was almost a substitute against PSG; he played only due to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury. Alonso’s decision to replace him in some games, a key player for Mbappé, as such, has cemented his position in the pecking order. X’s actions also reflected this sentiment, with some fans accusing Vinicius of allowing decisions based on “ego and envy.”

Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are closely monitoring the situation, while rumors of a possible split abound. Rumors of a €1 billion offer from Saudi Arabian Professional League side Al-Hilal have resurfaced, but Vinicius’s ambition to win the Ballon d’Or doesn’t prevent him from moving to the Middle East. Real Madrid, who fear his contract will expire in 2026, could consider a sale if tensions persist, which could benefit Roddrygo, a team player with an expanded role.

For now, Vinicius is at a critical juncture. Alonso’s vision demands discipline and teamwork; Alonso has insisted that the public develop these qualities in Vinicius and Mbappé. The Brazilian must decide whether to adapt to the club’s current circumstances or risk alienating them. As Real Madrid prepares for the 2025-26 season, their eyes are on Vinicius; not on his talent on the pitch, but on his decisions off it.