Vinicius Jr is refusing to extend his Real Madrid contract due to a difficult relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso, despite the club’s efforts to mediate and financial offers, highlighting internal tensions at the La Liga leaders.
Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Junior has informed the club that he is unwilling to sign a new contract while his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso remains difficult, according to a report from The Athletic.
The Brazilian winger, whose current deal expires in June 2027, relayed this message directly to club president Florentino Perez late last month.
Vinícius Jr.’s frustration reportedly stems from a belief that he is being treated unfairly by Alonso, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in May.
Sources close to the player told The Athletic that tensions have only grown since the start of the 2025-26 season.
The breakdown came to a head during October’s El Clásico, where Vinícius reacted angrily to being substituted. While leaving the pitch, he shouted, “Always me, I’m leaving the team, it’s better if I leave, I’m leaving.”
He later apologized to the coaching staff, teammates, and Perez, but pointedly omitted Alonso from his social media statement.
Contract talks, which began in January, have stalled significantly. Vinícius currently earns around €18 million per year after tax. Real Madrid offered an increase to approximately €20 million net per year, which Vinícius rejected.
His representatives subsequently requested a package of up to €30 million per season, including base salary and bonuses—a figure sources say the club has never offered a player before, even during the “Galacticos Era.”
Real Madrid now faces the choice of attempting to change the player’s mind or selling him next summer.