Real Madrid was quick to launch the controversies at the start of the season. Left on the bench against Real Oviedo, VinĂcius JĂşnior saw his situation feeding a flood of comments, between criticisms and questions about the future of a player in full contractual negotiation. But in the midst of doubts, a respected voice stood up to defend Xabi Alonso's strategy.
Rivaldo surprises by validating the sidelining of VinĂcius
It was Rivaldo, 1999 Ballon d'Or and legend of FC Barcelona, ​​who spoke. The former Brazilian international estimated that this choice was not a sanction, but a method intended to stimulate VinĂcius. “I don't see it as a punishment. It is a strategy to make it grow ”, He said, stressing that the player has already responded with goals during his following appearances. A position that will not leave insensitive Vini, as Rivaldo remains a respected reference.
Beyond the field, the situation of VinĂcius remains unclear. His contract runs until 2027, but the discussions around an extension are in a standstill. Real set him an ultimatum for the summer of 2026, failing which it could be put on the market. In parallel, the attacker aspires to become one of the best remunerated in the cloakroom, a requirement which tenses the Madrid management and which fuels the rumors of a premature departure.
Alonso's strategy highlighted
For Xabi Alonso, the decision to put your winger on the bench is above all tactical. The new Real coach insists on the need to maintain a maximum requirement with his executives, even if it means causing an electroshock. The idea is to prevent any routine, in an offensive sector where competition with Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham is fierce. Rivaldo's public support gives additional credit to this method.
If current management arouses debates, VinĂcius remains a fundamental element of the Madrid project. His statistics – two goals in three Liga games – recall its effectiveness. The future will now depend on the balance found between its performance, the firmness of Xabi Alonso and the club's desire to secure its contract. Real knows that it plays big: keeping its Brazilian gem, but without giving in to all its requirements.
