Vinicius is no longer untouchable at Real Madrid

When the question of whether Real Madrid needs to retain Vinicius at any cost appears, it also implies the question of whether the Brazilian striker is indispensable at the Bernabeu.

Looking at the way Xabi Alonso was sidelined in the first half of last season, the 26-year-old forward was untouchable in every sense, and the support of President Florentino Perez was the greatest power the number 7 had here.

Perez's tolerance

The off-field issues Vinicius has created over the past two seasons would have been enough for him to leave this club quietly, were it not for Mr. Perez's tolerance. But now, the story is taking a different turn.

Vinicius must have forgotten that the club's leader decided to boycott the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony for the sole reason that the Brazilian forward did not win that year. Vinicius will not find such a reliable and solid support anywhere else.

It was also Mr. Perez who launched a campaign to protect his favorite player when he faced severe racial discrimination. The voice of this powerful man even influenced the political sphere in Brazil, and the number 7 has never been lonely at the Bernabeu—until he and his team tried to stand on the opposite side.

This powerful president adores all the stars he brings to the Bernabeu, but with all of Vinicius's financial demands, that support has formed a limit, and it may erode Perez's trust and patience. Perhaps he does not need the 26-year-old forward's gratitude, but he certainly expects something like loyalty or a sense of family connection.

Vinicius's problem is not in the sporting aspect, just like any other star who has played here. He can be replaced by another player, such as Diomande or Rodrygo, who is already in the current squad.

The Galactic squad won the Champions League even after Ronaldo left, and later, the team also won every title without Karim Benzema—the most prominent stars of the past two decades.

Therefore, in theory, the Galactic squad will continue to develop and achieve success without the Brazilian forward. On the other hand, when convincing Jose Mourinho to return, President Perez believes that the time has come for star power to give way to collectivism, after two consecutive trophy-less seasons.

Mourinho's role

The brilliance of the number 7 or Mbappe has not brought the expected success. In fact, they are becoming a problem for each other and a hindrance to the white-clad team's chances of winning titles.

Mourinho bears a great responsibility and becomes Mr. Perez's "verdict" in this case. He must decide whether Vinicius and Mbappe can coexist in a winning lineup.

Or, whether it would be better for them to go their separate ways to create a more balanced starting eleven. This means the number 7 could be sold as early as this summer, and he holds the decision-making power over his future.

Any coach would want the Brazilian forward in their squad for all the footballing qualities he brings, but clearly, the team has failed with him over the past two seasons. Vinicius currently holds the decision-making power. He can stay without renewing his contract and wait to see what happens.

Currently, signing a contract with a multinational football club like Real Madrid is not the same as signing with another club. The global fame of a personal brand when playing for the Madrid-based team increases tenfold or twentyfold. Therefore, the number 7 must calculate the potential loss of profit if he moves to a smaller club.

Another factor to consider is that this club creates stars, and they already have players like Mbappe and Bellingham. The reputation of the white-clad team has never diminished even after Ronaldo left, and the Galactic squad is no longer a collection of top-tier stars as in the past.

Real will always be Real even without Vinicius. They certainly do not need the number 7 to become more successful in terms of titles, brand, or money.