TA Explains: Why Alonso Struggles to Control Real Madrid’s Dressing Room — Players Are “Bosses,” Even Florentino Must Yield

The players at Real Madrid are among the very best in world football. On December 3, deep-dive outlet TA analyzed why coach Xabi Alonso struggles to fully control the team’s dressing room. Top stars like Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Bellingham are not only elite athletes—they also operate as “bosses” off the pitch.

Real Madrid’s top stars are money machines. Forbes reports Mbappé earns $95 million annually (4th in world football), Vinícius $60 million (6th), and Bellingham $44 million (9th), with most of this income coming from endorsements, investments, and other off-field ventures.

Sources told TA that managing players with multiple roles is extremely challenging. President Florentino Pérez and coach Alonso face considerable pressure. Player representatives frequently communicate directly with the club regarding roles and status. Alonso says he isn’t influenced, but outside involvement still impacts team dynamics.

TA notes that maintaining high standards in training and match management has become increasingly difficult. Insufficient playing time or starting opportunities affects not only on-field status but also exposure, which can negatively influence off-field income.

Many Real Madrid players function as “bosses”:

• Vinícius Júnior has a team of at least 25 staff, including agents, assistants, social media managers, personal drivers, therapists, and chefs; his Brazilian charity has 15 employees.
• Mbappé has a vast network of commercial partners, owns French Ligue 2 club Caen, and runs media and foundation projects.
• Bellingham owns business ventures and serves as an LV ambassador.
• Rodrygo, Güler, Arnold (Trent) and others actively manage their personal brands.

After six months at Real Madrid, Alonso finds the job extremely challenging. TA reports many top players see him as distant and do not fully agree with his selection or tactical decisions. With the team’s performance declining, dressing room issues intensify, and Alonso alone cannot control the situation.

Even President Florentino has to yield in key matters. Last summer, Mbappé received 80% of his image rights upon joining, whereas Real Madrid historically offered 50%. Vinícius’ contract renewal is also tricky—he demands €30 million net, while the club can offer €20 million. His tense relationship with Alonso has led him to inform Florentino he may not renew.

TA concludes: if results suffer, in the tug-of-war between players and coach, the ultimate responsibility falls on the manager.