Xabi Alonso confirms Vini Jr punishment decision after Real Madrid chaos

Robin Bairner

Updated: 31 Oct 2025 17:08 GMT
4 min read

Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has discovered the decision of head coach Xabi Alonso over his punishment following the chaos that the Brazil international caused during El Clasico.

Article continues under the video

Although Los Blancos picked up a 2-1 win over Barcelona last Sunday, Vini Jr’s actions dominated the news following the game.

After a strong performance against Real Madrid’s arch-rivals, Alonso elected to replace the 25-year-old during the second half. He reacted with frustration and made his way directly to the locker room.

Current ETV

Vinicius Junior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€90.7M - €110.9M

“Always me... I'm leaving the team, it's better if I leave, I'm leaving,” he cried as he left the field to storm down the tunnel.

When he subsequently appeared on the bench, he started a ruckus at full-time with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

This comes against the background of uncertainty over the player’s future. Out of contract at Real Madrid in 2027, rumours of a move to the Saudi Pro League persist as contract talks continue to stall.

Vini released a statement on Thursday apologising for his actions, and while there was some surprise that Alonso was not directly named in his social post, Real Madrid’s head coach has dealt with the situation.

Alonso confirms ‘no reprisals’ over Vini Jr rant

The 42-year-old has even confirmed that Vini Jr will not be punished for his actions.

“There will be no reprisals,” the Real Madrid coach assured the media as he attempted to put an end to the rumours.

“I think I’ve explained things sufficiently. I understand that you’re focused on this story. We made a decision on Wednesday.

“We had a very good week. What worries me is Valencia. I understand you, but I’d like you to understand me too.”

© IMAGO - Xabi Alonso: No action against Vini Jr

Alonso was probed about fears that such an incident might happen again, given that the winger has only played 90 minutes on three occasions this season.

He replied: “I think the whole team, including Vinicius, is focused on the essentials: being on the pitch. The objective is the same for everyone. We want to keep the situation safe.”

Vini Jr slammed for ‘theatrics’

Alonso has been told that he is wrong to treat Vini Jr so leniently by former Atletico Madrid star Gabi.

“He tests everyone around him every day. For me, it was to be expected; the one who has to take action is the coach,” Gabi said on Cadena SER.

“What I detest most in a footballer is the theatrics and grand gestures, being put to the test in public... Whatever you want behind closed doors, no problem.”

Time will tell if Alonso’s soft-touch approach will work, but the questions over the future of Vini Jr will not go away until he signs a new contract or is sold.

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