Vini Jr. apologises to Madrid fans for sub reaction

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has issued a public apology to supporters following his angry reaction to being substituted during Sunday’s 2-1 LaLiga victory over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Brazil international was withdrawn in the 72nd minute by head coach Xabi Alonso and replaced by Rodrygo. As he left the field, Vinícius appeared visibly frustrated, gesturing and shouting before heading directly to the dressing room.

In a statement on social media on Wednesday, the 24-year-old admitted regret over his conduct, saying he had also apologised in person to his teammates, the club, and president Florentino Pérez.

“Sometimes my passion gets the better of me,” Vinícius wrote. “I always want to win and help my team. My competitive nature stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting for Real Madrid as I have done since day one.”

According to sources, Alonso and Vinícius held talks at the club’s Valdebebas training ground as players returned from two days off. While tensions between the pair have reportedly grown in recent months, Madrid are not expected to impose any disciplinary action, with officials describing the matter as internal.

Alonso, who has omitted the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up from his starting XI three times this season, sought to play down the incident after the match.

“We’ll talk about it,” the Madrid coach told reporters. “I don’t want to take the focus away from what’s important. Vini contributed a lot today.”

Vinícius has recorded five goals and four assists in LaLiga so far this season, showing improved form in recent weeks. However, sources close to the player suggest contract extension talks have stalled amid uncertainty over his role under Alonso.

The forward returned to the bench after the substitution and later became involved in brief on-field scuffles with Barcelona players, during which the referee issued five yellow cards — including one for Vinícius — and a red card to goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

Despite the controversy, Real Madrid officials are understood to value Vinícius as a key long-term asset. The club views his apology as a positive step toward resolving tensions, with Alonso expected to reintegrate him into the starting lineup in the coming fixtures.

The episode marks a rare public flashpoint for one of Madrid’s most influential players, whose intensity and drive have been central to the team’s recent domestic and European success.