LaLiga Legend Suggests Vinicius Jr. Does Not Belong at Real Madrid

Former Valencia star Quique Sanchez Flores has criticised Vinicius Jr., suggesting he no longer represents the values of Real Madrid. 

The Spanish manager, who has coached teams like Getafe, Valencia, Watford, and Espanyol, has claimed that Vinicius’ rise to power is “damaging” for Los Blancos.

In recent months, Vinicius Jr. has become a controversial figure at the Santiago Bernabeu. During the October El Clasico, he openly protested Xabi Alonso’s decision to substitute him. He went straight down the tunnel and did not greet the manager while coming off.

In the past 1 year, Vinicius JR:

– Had Lucas Vazquez/Ceballos tell him to calm down and stop crashing out at his own teammates
– Lashed out at Fran Garcia.
– Lashed out at Luka Modric after Modric told him to help defend with them.
– Has been publicly criticized by Toni Kroos… pic.twitter.com/zhnrCzynWu

— Ace (@RMxAce) January 13, 2026

There have been claims that Real Madrid isolated Alonso after the incident, as they did not penalise Vinicius for his outburst.

Shortly after the incident, reports emerged of squad disharmony, and Real Madrid lost the momentum that helped them secure 13 wins in their first 14 matches.

On Sunday, Real Madrid lost the Supercopa de Espana final against Barcelona, and the hierarchy sacked Alonso hours after. There have been claims that Vinicius Jr. played a big role in the manager’s dismissal.

Vinicius Jr. Told He Does Not Represent Real Madrid Values

Following reports of a strained relationship with Xabi Alonso, his delayed contract talks, and inconsistent performances, some Real Madrid fans have begun to turn against Vinicius Jr.

Quique Sanchez Flores said he agreed with the fans, claiming the Brazilian was no longer a good ambassador for Real Madrid.

He said on ‘El Partidazo de COPE’ (via MARCA):

“I agree with the part of the fanbase that has become very upset about Vinicius. I think he doesn’t represent the values ​​of Real Madrid in the last two years and that he is very far from the player he can become.”

Serious conversations needs to be held. #7 of Real Madrid? It’s meant to mean something.

It’s genuinely sad how Vinícius is just a moments player right now. Maybe he’ll do something good once every 3-4 games, but most of the time he’s absolutely horrible to watch. A liability… pic.twitter.com/QkkXwpziZW

— Hassan (@GreatWhiteNueve) January 14, 2026

Jude Bellingham is also reported to have wanted Alonso dismissed. On the topic, Flores added:

“These footballers need to awaken their mental side more. Bellingham is a very game-changing player, but Vinicius’s emergence is so damaging… When someone emerges, it’s not just him, it’s him and ‘his buddies’ who emerge.”

Following Alonso’s departure, Vinicius Jr.’s Real Madrid contract situation has changed. He is now more inclined to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu, with extension talks set to resume in the coming weeks.

Alonso’s successor, Alvaro Arbeloa, has not hidden his admiration for Vinicius. Even after Wednesday’s embarrassing Copa del Rey defeat against Albacete, Arbeloa praised Vinicius, claiming the player took responsibility and played like a captain.

Real Madrid have a lot of trust in Vinicius and believe he can return to the top of his game. Arbeloa insists Los Blancos need Vinicius at his best to fight for the important trophies.