Contract renewal talks with Real Madrid have stalled following the club’s star winger Vinicius Junior’s decision to resolve strained relations with head coach Xabi Alonso, according to reports.

Since Xabi’s takeover from Carlo Ancelotti in May this year, there have been reports of strained relations between him and the Brazilian prodigy. According to reports, the genesis of their deteriorating relationship began on July 9, during Madrid's 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Club World Cup semi-final.

Alonso had initially planned to bench Vinicius for that match, only starting him after an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold forced a late change. Even then, Vinicius was deployed on the right wing rather than his preferred left side, a decision he reportedly took issue with.

Since then, Vinicius has completed just five of Real Madrid’s 17 matches across all competitions and has started four games from the bench, including their weekend’s 2–2 draw against Elche.

On October 26, Vinícius Jr. threw a strop during his substitution in the 72minute of the El Clásico. The substitution, which clearly infuriated the Brazilian prodigy, made him walk off the pitch, pass by the bench, including coach Xabi Alonso, and head straight for the tunnel while the match was still going on.

Vinícius’ actions have reportedly strained his relationship with Xabi, as some reports suggest that while passing by Alonso, he muttered, “Always me”. I’m leaving the team; it’s better if I leave".

Following the incident, Vini later apologised to fans and the club, mentioning the names of people but excluding that of Xabi, who was the centre of the misunderstanding.

IN late October, it is reported that Vini personally told Real Madrid's president Florentino Pérez during a private meeting that renewing his contract with the club as it stands now "wouldn't make any sense" due to the state of his relationship with Xabi.

He feels Xabi has been unfair to him since taking over. However, the coach has on several occasions denied strained relations with the winger, explaining in multiple press conferences that squad rotation is vital and insisting there is “no issue” with them.

Vini's actions at the El-Classico are mostly penalised; however, it emerged that the club doesn't intend to punish him, a narrative which was later confirmed by Xabi himself.

Speaking during a press conference on October 31, about a week after the Classico incident, Xabi downplayed the incident, saying, “the matter is now closed, no punishment ”, highlighting the player's "valuable, positive" apology.

Xabi revealed that, on Wednesday,” two days' rest, we had a meeting with everyone," Alonso said in a news conference on Friday.

He commended the Brazilian’s sincerity and passion in how he handled the situation.

“Vini did well; he was impeccable. He spoke from the heart with sincerity. I was very satisfied, and for me, from that moment, the matter is closed."

Alonso denied that he was surprised or disappointed that Vinícius' apology didn't mention him by name.

"For me, it was a very valuable, positive statement. Vini showed his honesty; he spoke from the heart, what this club means to him. For me, what's most important is what he said to his teammates, the fans and the club. I'm very satisfied, and since Wednesday, the subject is closed, and we're thinking about what's next.

I was satisfied, and since Wednesday it's closed," Alonso said. "We've trained well, Vini is fine. We're all in the same boat, rowing in the same direction... We have a game tomorrow, which is the most important thing,” Alonso said.

Addressing speculations of stalled contract renewal talks with Real Madrid being a distraction for Vinicius, whose time with the club expires in 2027, Alonso insisted that "...he looks very focused. The other day [against Barça] he played a very good game, and against Juventus too, and against Getafe, and we hope for the same tomorrow."

Responding to how he handles such situations, he stressed the need to recognise his role as a leader and the importance of emotional intelligence.

"It's important to be authentic, having a sincere, direct relationship," Alonso said when asked how he managed situations like this. Knowing your role, and always thinking about what's best for the team ... It's about having a good relationship, with respect, but knowing that not everyone is the same. That's where you need to have emotional intelligence."

One blow for Madrid after the Clásico win was an injury for captain Dani Carvajal, who had only just returned after a long absence.

"On Monday morning, it was a surprise to get the call from the doctor," Alonso said. "We'll miss him for sure. He's very important in the day-to-day. It could be seven, eight weeks, but I'm not a doctor."

Meanwhile, following his fiery outburst, some people defended him while others slammed him for his actions.

Tony Kros, his former teammate, defended his actions during his podcast, saying, “When you play an exceptional game, especially in a match like this, you’re not happy to be taken off”. Others also cautioned him to check his emotions, criticising his behaviour as “disrespectful” and warned it could “negatively impact his prestige at Real Madrid”

Vinícius Júnior has lost his cool on the pitch on several occasions. On September 24 this year, Vini clashed with Levante captain Unai Elgezabal during a Real Madrid match after a foul on Kylian Mbappé led to a penalty.

According to reports, while Mbappe prepared to take the penalty spot, Vinícius reportedly spoke to Elgezabal and placed a hand on his neck. Infuriated by whatever Vini said, Elgezabal reacted angrily and later accused Vinícius of showing “a lack of respect”, saying, “Enough is enough.