The gesture didn't go unnoticed. Neither for Real Madrid's locker room nor for the player himself. Xabi Alonso had made up his mind: Vinícius Júnior was going to be a substitute against PSG in the Club World Cup.
The coach, who doesn't put up with egos or concessions, discussed it with the Brazilian before the match.
It was a brief, tense, and revealing conversation. Vinícius didn't take it well. Just when the bomb was about to explode, the unexpected happened.
Trent Alexander-Arnold got injured during the warm-up. That setback forced a reorganization of the starting eleven. That's when Vini got back in.
A substitution that only delayed the conflict
Although he eventually played, the wound was already open. Vinícius had received the clearest message possible from his new coach: in this Madrid, there are no untouchables anymore.
Not even for someone who felt like the heir to the leadership after Benzema and Kroos retired.
Xabi Alonso wants a team that's supportive, disciplined, and organized. Vinícius, with his rebellious style, his tendency to protest, and his body language, doesn't quite fit that model. The coach also believes that his attacking imbalance doesn't make up for the defensive lapses he causes.
Vinícius is no longer among the favorites
It's not just about one match. Internally, Vinícius has lost his status as an undisputed player. Xabi has made it clear during training sessions.
He values him, yes, but he won't hesitate to bench him if he doesn't perform or if someone else offers more balance.
The player himself has noticed it. His relationship with the coach is correct but cold. He knows he doesn't have the absolute support he did have with Ancelotti, who defended him fiercely.
The future gets complicated
The Club World Cup episode was a warning. It could happen again.
With Mbappé's arrival, Bellingham's growth, Güler's return, and Gonzalo's breakout, Vinícius faces more and more direct competition.
If he insists on wanting to be the highest paid, as was leaked, he could clash head-on with Florentino.
There's division in the locker room as well. Some believe he's gotten comfortable, that he protests more than he produces, and that his gestures are unnecessary. Others, however, still see him as a star who just needs to feel supported.
The truth is that Xabi Alonso isn't going to make it easy for him. In his Madrid, the name isn't enough anymore. Whoever doesn't work, doesn't play.
Vinícius is learning it the hard way.