Xabi Alonso could bench Vinicius this season if poor form continues

The pressure is mounting on Vinícius Júnior as Real Madrid enter a defining stage of their campaign under new coach Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian winger, once considered untouchable in the starting lineup, is facing the possibility of being benched if his dip in form does not improve in the coming weeks.

According to reports from The Athletic, Alonso has already considered leaving Vinícius out of the starting XI on at least one occasion. The first serious instance came during Real Madrid’s Club World Cup semi-final against PSG, when the coach contemplated replacing him due to ineffective performances. However, an untimely injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold forced Alonso to stick with his established attacking options, sparing Vinícius from the bench.

Still, the statistics make for grim reading. Over the last seven competitive fixtures, Vinícius has contributed just one goal and one assist—a disappointing return for a player who has built a reputation on explosiveness, flair, and game-changing moments. For a forward who only two seasons ago carried Real Madrid to a Champions League triumph, this sudden drought has raised eyebrows.

Alonso, known for his tactical pragmatism and unwillingness to let reputations dictate his team selection, is weighing his alternatives. If Vinícius cannot rediscover his spark soon, the coach may opt to reshuffle the front line. Rodrygo, who has proven versatile across Madrid’s attack, could be shifted to the left flank—a role he has played with composure in the past.

Another possibility is the exciting trio of Kylian Mbappé, Álvaro García, and Franco Mastantuono. The French superstar has already cemented his status as Madrid’s new talisman, while Mastantuono represents the club’s faith in the next generation of attacking prodigies. Such a change would send a strong message that form, not status, determines who earns a place in Alonso’s system.

For Vinícius, the coming weeks are crucial. Madrid’s August and September fixtures offer a demanding test, including key La Liga clashes and Champions League group matches. Any prolonged underperformance could see him relegated to the bench for the first time in four years—a scenario almost unthinkable not long ago, given his rise to global stardom.

Beyond the immediate sporting concern, there are whispers within the club’s hierarchy about Vinícius’ long-term future. Reports suggest that one influential figure inside Madrid would not oppose the idea of selling the Brazilian should a lucrative offer arrive from Saudi Arabia. With Middle Eastern clubs aggressively pursuing European stars, Vinícius could attract attention if his situation deteriorates further.

The debate among fans has also grown louder. While many supporters remain fiercely loyal, defending Vinícius as a player who thrives on confidence and rhythm, others argue that patience is running thin. The arrival of Mbappé has only amplified the scrutiny, as the Frenchman’s relentless performances make any dip from other attackers more visible.

Alonso’s handling of this delicate issue will be closely watched. Benching Vinícius would be a bold statement for a first-year Real Madrid coach, but it could also underline his authority and commitment to building a merit-based team culture. At the same time, the Spaniard knows that Vinícius at his best is almost irreplaceable—capable of turning matches with a single moment of brilliance.

The coming matches may well decide which version of Vinícius emerges: the unstoppable force who terrorized defenders across Europe, or a struggling star whose confidence wanes under pressure. What is certain is that Real Madrid’s season, and Alonso’s early reign, could hinge on how this chapter unfolds.