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News
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Alonso is like Zidane at Real Madrid - here's why it's a problem
Tom Weber
- Updated: 22 Sept 2025 15:30 BST
- 4 min read
News
Those close to Vinicius Jr see parallels between Xabi Alonso and Zinedine Zidane, and this could become a problem for Real Madrid, according to a report.
The Brazilian megastar has found life under the new head coach difficult so far. On Sunday, Vinicius Jr was visibly angry when he was substituted by Alonso, although this really should no longer be a shock to the winger.
After all, he has been hauled off in all but one of the games he has played under the Spaniard. In midweek, when Real Madrid kicked off their Champions League campaign against Marseille, the 25-year-old actually started on the bench.
Current ETV
Vinicius Junior
F (CL), M (L)
Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior
F (CL), M (L)
Real Madrid
ETV Range
€92.2M - €112.6M
Naturally, this has caused a massive stir in Spain, made all the more intriguing by the fact that Vinicius should be in outstanding physical and mental shape. For the first time since 2020, he did not have to travel to Brazil during the international break, which allowed him to rest and train at Real Madrid.
Despite this, Alonso still clearly isn't entirely convinced by the winger, and this has even given rise to speculation that Vinicius could quit Los Blancos after the season.
'Alonso is like Zidane'
According to The Athletic, sources close to the player see parallels between Alonso and former manager Zinedine Zidane, and this is not meant as a compliment.
"Sources close to Vinicius Jr said the scenario reminds them of when Zinedine Zidane was in charge at Madrid, as the Frenchman did not have as much confidence in him as Santiago Solari or Carlo Ancelotti would show," the report states.
These same sources, it is claimed, predicted that it would be a tough first year for Vinicius before the season started. However, it is not believed that Alonso's treatment of the Brazilian is linked to his ongoing contract talks with Real Madrid.
Sources dismissed suggestions that Alonso could have been ordered by the club hierarchy to exert pressure on Vinicius, as negotiations have so far proved quite difficult.
Either way, it is clear that this story will keep rumbling on for the foreseeable future. With games coming thick and fast, Alonso is unlikely to change his approach of heavily rotating the side, even if it means running the risk of bruising the egos of his biggest stars.
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