Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has sent shockwaves through the football world after officially revealing his preferred starting XI for the 2025/26 season — and one massive name has been ruthlessly axed.

In a decisive press conference at Valdebebas this afternoon, Alonso made it clear that reputation will count for nothing under his leadership. After weeks of speculation, the new Madrid boss confirmed his plans for the upcoming campaign, and one decision in particular is set to dominate headlines across Europe.

Alonso: “I pick players on form, not on name.”

Facing a packed media room, Alonso spoke with the calm authority fans admired during his playing days, but his message was uncompromising:

“I’ve told the players directly — at Real Madrid, you play because you deserve it, not because of your name or what you’ve done before. We need warriors, we need hunger. This is a new chapter.”

The Confirmed XI

According to Alonso, this is the starting lineup he’s building around:

Lunin
Carvajal — Rüdiger — Militão — Davies
Camavinga — Valverde — Bellingham
Rodrygo — Endrick — Mbappé

And with that announcement, one of the biggest shocks of the summer became reality: Vinícius Júnior has been dropped.

Vinícius Júnior Dropped

Arguably the biggest surprise from the press conference was the omission of Vinícius Júnior, who many believed would be the face of Madrid’s attack for years to come. But Alonso had other ideas.

“Vinícius is a fantastic player, but at this moment, others are ahead of him in my system,” Alonso stated. “The door is always open — but for now, it’s about what’s best for the team.”

It’s understood Alonso’s preference for a more direct, clinical front three of Mbappé, Endrick, and Rodrygo has edged Vini Jr. out of the starting fold. The Brazilian winger, reportedly frustrated in recent training sessions, now faces a battle to reclaim his place.

Madrid Fans Divided

The decision has already caused a stir among Madrid supporters, with some praising Alonso’s boldness and others questioning the wisdom of sidelining one of the club’s most electric talents.

What’s Next?

Alonso confirmed the team will debut in their new shape during the pre-season tour of the United States next month, with Vinícius Júnior’s future suddenly uncertain.

Whether the Brazilian will fight his way back into Alonso’s plans or consider a move elsewhere remains to be seen. One thing is certain — the new era at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso has begun with a statement.