The team comes first! Cesc Fàbregas weighs in on the Xabi Alonso and Vinícius Júnior conflict

There’s no place for this in professional football.

Details: Como’s 39-year-old head coach, Cesc Fàbregas, recently shared his thoughts in an interview about the controversy involving Xabi Alonso and Vinícius Júnior that erupted during Alonso’s tenure in Madrid.

According to Fàbregas, such behavior is unacceptable:

“What happened between Xabi Alonso and Vinícius… That’s a moment when you have to be ready to make the right decision, and above all—and this is what makes you a better coach—you have to think of the team first.

No one is more important than the team, no one is stronger than the team, and no one stands above the team.” Fàbregas stated.

The relationship between Vinícius Júnior and Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid was rather tense. The Brazilian found it difficult to adapt to the coach’s tactical demands and to playing in an unfamiliar position. This led to clashes; however, in January 2026, Alonso left his post as the Galácticos’ head coach after just 34 matches in charge, with 24 wins, 4 draws, and 6 defeats.

Reminder: Here we go! Real Madrid have started talks with José Mourinho