Xabi Alonso surprised everyone by leaving Vinícius Júnior out of Real Madrid’s starting lineup against Real Oviedo, marking the Brazilian’s first unexplained benching since the Carlo Ancelotti era.

Set to face Real Oviedo for La Liga, doubts raised when Vinicius Junior was nowhere to be seen in the starting lineup for Real Madrid.

The September FIFA international break brings the final two CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador are already through, while several nations continue to battle for the remaining spots.

The official timeline for his return has been revealed, but the wait for Madridistas could feel much longer.

Vinicius Junior has reportedly made a bold demand: a salary matching Kylian Mbappe and similar to Cristiano Ronaldo in his best years in La Liga.

Just when it seemed the Saudi Pro League had reached their limit with a $327 million attempt to lure Vinicius Junior, they’ve gone one step further.

As Real Madrid enters a new era stacked with elite talents like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham, it might surprise some to learn that the player tipped to succeed Lionel Messi as Argentina’s next great No. 10 is not one of the club’s global superstars.

One of the biggest stars at Real Madrid—and one of soccer’s most promising icons—has revealed where his loyalty lies in this legendary rivalry.

With a month left in the 2025 summer transfer window, the landscape of world soccer has been shaken by Transfermarkt’s updated ranking of the most valuable players on the planet.

Vinícius requested to earn the same salary as the French superstar, only to be firmly denied by the club due to concerns over the impact on their wage structure.

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo and three former Barcelona players as his role models—but none of them is Lionel Messi.

With Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham all commanding massive attention, it was natural to assume that Alonso’s project would be centered around one of them.

Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland could come together in the famous white shirt. But for that dream to come to life, Real Madrid may need to sacrifice two of their own brightest stars — Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

Currently under contract until June 2027, Vinicius cannot independently negotiate a departure before January of that year, and any discussions about his future must go through Real Madrid’s top leadership.

With the contract talks stalled, Real Madrid have reportedly identified the world-class star that would replace Vinicius Junior if he decides to leave.