Vinicius\' Real Madrid status has declined significantly following contract negotiations breakdown and disappointing performances, with new manager Xabi Alonso planning to bench the Brazilian winger before injury changed plans.
Multiple sources confirm the 25-year-old\'s failure to win the Ballon d\'Or has weighed heavily on him despite receiving FIFA\'s The Best award in December. Contract complications have affected his on-field performances, resulting in audible boos from Bernabeu fans.
Madrid offered approximately $26 million annually but Vinicius\'s representatives requested $39.5 million per season matching Cristiano Ronaldo\'s historic deal. The player currently earns around $19.7 million including activated bonus clauses after his FIFA award.
Negotiations began in January at Madrid\'s Valdebebas training complex with club officials, agents, and his father present. The club remains cautious about salary scale precedents and prefers avoiding renewal bonus structures.
New manager Alonso planned to bench Vinicius for the Club World Cup semi-final against PSG until Trent Alexander-Arnold\'s injury forced tactical adjustments. The Brazilian started on the right wing instead of his preferred left-wing position.
\"I didn\'t know Vini, I had seen him a lot and everything I saw and heard I recognized in 10 seconds,\" Alonso said before the Club World Cup. \"He is a very passionate player. You have to be close to him.\"
Vinicius managed just one goal and one assist in five Club World Cup matches, both coming against Red Bull Salzburg.
Sources close to Alonso acknowledge Vinicius needs improvement and suggest continued poor form could end his irreplaceable status. The coach plans tactical flexibility with both Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe in attack throughout the season.
