Vinicius Jr. has reportedly issued a stunning ultimatum to Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, making it clear that he will not extend his contract with the club beyond 2027 if Xabi Alonso remains as manager. The explosive claim, surfacing from sources close to the Santiago Bernabéu, paints a picture of growing frustration and personal tension between one of Madrid’s brightest stars and the man expected to shape the club’s next era.
According to reports, Vinicius feels deeply disrespected by Alonso’s recent decisions, particularly the increasing frequency of his benchings and early substitutions during crucial matches. Once considered untouchable in the starting lineup, the Brazilian winger now finds himself rotated and occasionally sidelined — something he interprets as a loss of trust. Insiders say Vinicius believes Alonso’s tactical approach does not value his style of play and that the manager has failed to defend him publicly during recent criticism from media and opposing fans.
The rift has not gone unnoticed. Those close to the club describe Pérez as being caught in an uncomfortable balancing act between maintaining harmony in the locker room and supporting Alonso’s authority as head coach. Pérez has long viewed Vinicius as one of the cornerstones of Real Madrid’s future — not just as a player but as a brand ambassador and emotional link with the younger fan base. The idea of losing him, especially due to managerial conflict, would be a public relations disaster for the club. Yet at the same time, undermining a coach barely months into his tenure would send a dangerous message about player power at Madrid.
This tension comes at a time when Real Madrid is already navigating a sensitive transition period. With veterans like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos nearing the twilight of their careers, Alonso was brought in to modernize the squad while preserving its competitive DNA. His approach — disciplined, collective, and tactically rigorous — stands in contrast to the expressive freedom that players like Vinicius thrive on. While Alonso has reportedly praised the Brazilian’s talent in private meetings, he has also emphasized the need for balance and defensive discipline, something that has not gone over well with the attacker.
Sources say the tipping point came during a recent match when Vinicius was substituted early despite being one of Madrid’s few attacking threats on the pitch. Cameras caught his visibly frustrated reaction, and while the player avoided making public statements, people in his inner circle later described him as “feeling humiliated.” The following week, Vinicius reportedly requested a private meeting with Pérez, during which he expressed his dissatisfaction and hinted that he would not commit to any contract renewal unless his situation under Alonso changed.
For Pérez, the stakes could not be higher. Losing Vinicius — especially in today’s transfer market — would not only be a sporting blow but a symbolic one. He represents the youthful, global face of Real Madrid, a player who embodies the energy and creativity that define the modern game. Clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are said to be closely monitoring the situation, ready to pounce if the relationship between player and manager continues to deteriorate.
Behind closed doors, Madrid insiders describe a tense atmosphere. Some senior players are reportedly trying to calm Vinicius down, reminding him of the club’s values and the importance of patience. Others quietly sympathize, agreeing that Alonso’s management style, while effective, has created a colder, more rigid environment compared to that under previous managers.
As of now, no official statement has been made by Real Madrid or Vinicius’s representatives. However, the ultimatum — whether real or exaggerated — has already sent shockwaves through the football world. Fans are divided: some argue that no player, no matter how talented, should dictate terms to the club; others believe Vinicius has earned the right to feel frustrated after years of carrying the attack through tough periods.
One thing is certain: Florentino Pérez faces one of the most delicate challenges of his presidency. He must protect Real Madrid’s long-term vision without alienating a superstar who could define its next decade. If he fails to strike the right balance, the club could be heading toward a standoff that tests its identity and hierarchy like never before.
