Xabi Alonso may be phasing out Vinicius Jr. along with Rodrygo Goes

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso appears to be signaling a seismic shift up front — one that could edge out not only Rodrygo Goes but even the club’s superstar, Vinicius Jr.

According to Diario AS’s Rubén Martín, Alonso’s initial plan against PSG in the Club World Cup semifinals was audacious: to deploy just Gonzalo García and Kylian Mbappé in his front two — effectively sidelining Vinicius from the start. Only a late reshuffle — triggered by Trent Alexander‑Arnold’s injury and Fede Valverde’s emergency switch to right-back — forced Vinicius into the XI.

This revelation dovetails with broader signals emerging at the club. Rodrygo, already aggrieved by five successive starting absences under Alonso, has reportedly been told he’s free to leave if he wishes. That kind of severe benching underscores the seriousness of Xabi’s intent.

At the same time, a new hero is rising: Gonzalo García. The Castilla product has exploded into life, bagging goals at the Club World Cup and earning comparisons to a classic No. 9. Alonso is so convinced of his value that he was ready to start him alongside Mbappé, dropping Vinicius entirely .

Vinicius Jr. has been Real Madrid’s talisman — the spark for two Champions League triumphs these past three seasons. His dazzling dribbles, game-changing flair, and sheer charisma made him the definitive star, especially in the 2022–23 final. But Mbappé’s arrival has shifted the tectonic plates of Madrid’s attack. In Xabi’s vision, if there’s room for Mbappé and a true No. 9, there may simply be no room for waist-shaking magic, however spectacular.

Alonso has been crystal clear: he sees value in a variety of attacking profiles. Gonzalo offers typical No. 9 physicality and finishing instincts. Mbappé adds speed, goals, and stardom. Valverde provides a surprise attacking outlet when needed. But Vinicius? He risks being squeezed out or used sparingly, as Xabi plays his tactical cards.

It’s no coincidence that Rodrygo — more defensively reliable yet less explosive — has been frozen out too. Alonso’s message seems to be: You don’t fit my plan. And for Vinicius, unless he adapts to a more peripheral role — or even a right-wing slot — he may soon find himself spinning his wheels on the bench.

And make no mistake: this is scary. Since 2021, Real’s attack has been built around Vinicius. Dropping him now, after two Champions League successes as the centerpiece, would be a seismic change for Los Blancos. You’d be weighing proven star power against a new-look front line centered on Mbappé’s record-breaking arrival and Gonzalo’s hot streak.

Alonso is effectively performing a lineup purge in real time — declaring that form, fit, and tactical suitability now outweigh past accomplishments. He has historical credibility (ask Liverpool or Spain fans), and his early actions suggest a manager willing to put his vision ahead of legacy stars.

Fans have to ask: Is this the dawn of a new era in Madrid’s Galácticos — one where Mbappé is king, Gonzalo is his sword, and Vinicius (plus Rodrygo) are the first casualties? Or will “La Furia Roja” come roaring back, unbowed and unapologetic?

If Alonso stays this course — phasing out the men who delivered two UCLs — it will mark one of the boldest, most controversial shifts in modern Madrid history. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the fallout may define this season.