Kroos Calls Out Vinicius Jr: A Warning from Real Madrid’s Legend
Vinicius Jr caused a stir during the first Clasico of the 2025-26 La Liga season on October 26. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
The Brazilian winger reacted angrily after being substituted by Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso in the 72nd minute, shouting “always me” and threatening to leave the team. His frustration spilled over, with Vinicius storming past Alonso and heading straight down the tunnel.
The 25-year-old eventually returned to the bench and watched as Real secured a 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Barcelona. However, his post-match confrontation with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal added fuel to the controversy, sparking criticism from fans and pundits alike. The incident highlighted Vinicius’ passionate but sometimes impulsive nature on the pitch.
Three days after the match, Vinicius issued an apology on social media, expressing remorse for his behavior and emphasizing his competitive drive stems from his love for Real Madrid. While he apologized to the club, teammates, and president, he notably did not mention Alonso, indicating ongoing tension between player and manager.
Kroos Speaks Out
Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has weighed in on the situation, admitting he found Vinicius’ antics “annoying” at times. Kroos, who spent a decade at Real winning 22 trophies including five Champions League titles, revealed he often tried to keep the young Brazilian under control during their time as teammates.
“At that time, I told him many times that he’d had enough, because you get the feeling that due to his behaviour, the team ends up suffering,” Kroos explained at The Icon League tournament in Germany. “It’s understandable he might annoy opponents, referees, or the crowd, but as a team, it can feel like everything is working against us because of what’s happening around him.”
Kroos stressed that Vinicius doesn’t need to rely on emotional outbursts to shine. “I always told him, ‘You’re so good you don’t need all that.’ I tried many times to calm him down on the pitch so he wouldn’t lose composure, because sometimes that happened.”
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Vinicius’ On-Field Performance Remains Strong
Despite the criticism, Vinicius continues to deliver strong performances for Real Madrid. This La Liga season, he has scored five goals and contributed four assists. His form demonstrates that his talent remains undeniable, even if his temperament occasionally causes friction.
Internationally, Vinicius featured in Brazil’s friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, helping the team to a 2-0 win over Senegal and a 1-1 draw against Tunisia. Brazil has already secured qualification for next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, allowing the winger to gain valuable experience against top opponents.
Looking Ahead: Real vs Elche
Real Madrid are set to return to La Liga action this weekend following the international break, taking on mid-table Elche in what promises to be an important clash for the league leaders. With 10 victories from their 12 matches so far, Real have established themselves as the team to beat this season, showing a blend of tactical discipline under Xabi Alonso and individual brilliance from key players like Vinicius Jr, Mbappe, and Arda Guller.
The team’s ability to dominate possession, control the tempo of games, and capitalize on scoring opportunities has allowed them to build a strong lead at the top of the table. A win against Elche would not only extend their advantage over rivals but also continue the momentum they need as the season reaches its critical mid-point. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
