Real Madrid Divided as Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe Take Sides in Alonso Rift

Real Madrid’s dressing room is reportedly in turmoil as the club faces a split between those siding with Vinicius Jr. and those supporting manager Xabi Alonso, with Kylian Mbappe leading the group backing the under-fire coach.

Real Madrid’s Internal Division: Vinicius Jr. vs. Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid’s internal divide has come to the forefront, with the latest reports from Spain painting a picture of a fractured squad. Discontent has been brewing for weeks, and the situation intensified after a disappointing 2-2 draw against Elche, marking the team’s third consecutive game without a win. This poor run follows a strong start to the La Liga campaign but now leaves the club exposed to heightened scrutiny.

According to Spanish outlet COPE’s ‘El Partidazo’, a group of key players, including Fede Valverde, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy, have grown frustrated with Alonso’s tactics and rotation policies. Vinicius Jr., in particular, stands at the heart of the storm, having been benched multiple times and seeing limited minutes compared to previous seasons.

Mbappe and Core Players Rally Around Alonso

Meanwhile, a separate faction within Real Madrid is rallying around Xabi Alonso. This group, led by French superstar Kylian Mbappe, includes Thibaut Courtois, Arda Guler, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras. Their unwavering support for Alonso comes at a critical time, as questions mount over whether the coach can navigate the club through this difficult stretch.

Despite the team’s impressive position at the top of La Liga—having won 10 of their first 11 matches—the recent dip in form and tensions off the pitch threaten to derail the season.

Roots of the Rift: Alonso’s Handling of Vinicius Jr.

The clash between Vinicius Jr. and Alonso traces back to last summer’s Club World Cup semi-final, where Alonso’s decision to bench the Brazilian star and play him out of position sparked initial discontent. Vinicius, who thrived as a left winger under Carlo Ancelotti, has struggled to adapt to Alonso’s tactical changes. His anger boiled over after an emotional reaction to being substituted in El Clasico, an episode followed by an apology to teammates and club staff—but notably, not to Alonso.

Sources suggest Vinicius Jr. feels a loss of trust from the manager, and this has led him to hesitate over renewing his contract. He has reportedly informed club president Florentino Perez that he will not commit to a long-term future at the club while Alonso remains in charge.

Real Madrid Dressing Room Fracture Threatens Season

The current schism within the squad is not just a matter of personal conflicts but also poses a direct threat to team unity and Real Madrid’s ambitions this season. Alonso’s critics claim that he has “lost the dressing room,” a sentiment that historically signals a crisis at the club. The hierarchy continues to publicly support the coach, yet it is widely understood that only a return to form and restored harmony can secure his position.

Vinicius Jr.’s influence within the team is significant, making his dissatisfaction particularly concerning. With contract negotiations stalling and tensions rising, the coming weeks are pivotal for Los Blancos. For more news and updates on this developing situation, visit for more news.

What Lies Ahead for Real Madrid?

Real Madrid is entering a decisive phase of the season, with the upcoming Champions League clash against Olympiacos described as a “make-or-break” moment for Alonso. Should results continue to slide, and if player unrest remains unresolved, club officials may be forced to make tough decisions as early as January.

The outcome of the internal conflict could shape not only Real Madrid’s campaign but also the future of Vinicius Jr. at the Santiago Bernabeu. The pressure is on Alonso to restore unity and bring the squad back together before the split becomes irreparable.

Opinion: Dressing Room Harmony is Non-Negotiable for Success

While tactical disagreements are part and parcel of football at the highest level, Real Madrid’s current split highlights the importance of strong leadership and player management. If Alonso fails to regain the trust of key figures like Vinicius Jr., the club risks undermining its long-term project. Unity in the dressing room isn’t just a luxury at Madrid—it’s a necessity for silverware and sustained dominance.