Vinícius Júnior’s Apology Omits Xabi Alonso — A Deliberate Snub?

What happened

In the 2-1 victory of Real Madrid C.F. over FC Barcelona on 26 October 2025, Vinícius Júnior was substituted in the 72nd minute by manager Xabi Alonso. According to multiple sources, the Brazilian winger reacted furiously, asking “Me? Me?” when seeing the substitution board, muttering “It’s always me… I’m leaving the team. I’d better go” as he walked off the pitch. 
In the immediate aftermath, he headed straight to the dressing room, foregoing any handshake or apparent engagement with the coaching team.
On 29 October, Vinícius issued a public apology via social media:

“Today I want to apologise to all Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clásico.
As I have already done in person during today’s training session, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club and the president.
Sometimes my passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day.” (Football España)

Noticeably missing from the list of addressed parties: Xabi Alonso, the coach who made the substitution and became the target of Vinícius’s visible anger and frustration. According to multiple reports, this omission was deliberate. (bet365 News)

Why the omission matters

1. Power dynamics & respect
   In professional sports, especially in a club like Real Madrid, the manager represents the hierarchical authority of team decisions. By failing to include Alonso in his apology, Vinícius arguably sidestepped an important acknowledgment of the decision-maker. That raises questions about internal respect and alignment between player and coach.

2. Signal of internal tension
   Sources close to Real Madrid suggest that the relationship between Vinícius and Xabi Alonso has been strained for some time. According to one insider:

   “Xabi had planned to leave Vinícius out of another high-profile game… the player’s entourage believe Alonso is not a fan of the player.” 
   In this light, the omission looks less like an oversight and more like a symbolic statement: Vinícius feeling hurt by what he perceives as unfair treatment, choosing to withhold the coach from his public apology.

3. Implications for team cohesion
   Publicly, the club accepted the apology “despite” the omission. (Cadena SER) However, behind closed doors, the matter still speaks to the importance of front-office, coaching staff, and star players projecting unified messaging. An unacknowledged coach could spark speculation of discord, undermine squad discipline or set precedent for other stars.

What might be going on behind the scenes

• Vinícius’s perspective: He reportedly feels undervalued, especially given his contributions and on-pitch performances. Being substituted despite his impact against Barcelona may have felt like a personal snub.
• Alonso’s perspective: As a manager, rotation and tactical changes are part of his remit. He may believe that even star players need to buy into squad dynamics, and that no one is above the team.
• Club management: Real Madrid reportedly continue contract talks with Vinícius which they still value as a key asset. At the same time they may back Alonso’s authority and wish to preserve clear structures of decision-making. (Cadena SER)

What this means going forward

• Short term: Real may keep the matter internal with no formal disciplinary sanctions, as has been indicated. (ESPN)
• Medium term: If the friction continues — e.g., Vinícius publicly expresses dissatisfaction, or Alonso continues making him a substitute despite strong form — the club may face a bigger decision: renegotiate role, facilitate a transfer, or re-affirm coach’s control.
• For Vinícius: The omission is a signal. It risks presenting him as a player at odds with authority. It also may influence how coaches rotate him, how teammates view his attitude, and his long-term role at the club.
• For Alonso: This is a crucible moment. If he manages to integrate Vinícius, maintain authority, and keep team performance high, it strengthens his position. But repeated public disunity could undermine his legitimacy.

Final thoughts

The omission of Xabi Alonso’s name from Vinícius’s apology may appear subtle, but in the context of elite football where symbolism and messaging matter, it’s significant. It speaks to hurt, to a fractured relationship, and to a player-coach dynamic that no longer looks smooth. Real Madrid’s management has accepted the apology for now, but the question remains: will the underlying issue be resolved or will it fester into something more disruptive?