Spanish Media: Real Madrid Dressing Room Tired of Vinícius, 38 Matches, 14 Yellow Cards, 1 Red, Arrogant and Volatile

In a dramatic Champions League round of 16 clash between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, tensions flared not only on the pitch but also within the Madrid dressing room. The match, which ultimately ended in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory for Real Madrid, saw Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham involved in a heated confrontation that has since fueled widespread media attention. In particular, Spanish newspaper Marca took a deep dive into the alleged growing dissatisfaction surrounding the Brazilian star within the club's ranks.

Bellingham’s furious reaction after an important defensive clearance in extra time, where he angrily shouted at Vinícius, has sparked speculation regarding the player’s behavior. It was reported that, during the first half of extra time, Vinícius was seen sitting on the ground complaining after losing the ball to Atlético's defense, rather than immediately getting back on his feet to track back defensively. This hesitation allowed Atlético Madrid to launch a counter-attack, one which was only halted by a crucial defensive intervention from Bellingham, who slid in to stop a dangerous break by Marcos Llorente. Following the clearance, Bellingham visibly expressed his frustration, turning to shout at Vinícius, who, reportedly, couldn't even meet his teammate’s gaze.

The Growing Frustration in the Real Madrid Dressing Room

The incident has only amplified rumors that Vinícius Júnior is struggling to maintain strong relationships with some of his teammates. According to Marca, his perceived arrogance and emotional volatility have begun to irritate those around him, especially in the dressing room. Vinícius, who believes himself to be Real Madrid's star player, is said to demand a higher salary than that of Kylian Mbappé as well as a more prominent role within the club's hierarchy. His behavior on and off the pitch has reportedly led to a breakdown in respect among his teammates, including Dani Carvajal and Luka Modrić, both of whom have publicly criticized the Brazilian for his antics.

In addition to his frequent complaints on the pitch, Vinícius Júnior has been card-happy this season, accumulating a total of 14 yellow cards and 1 red card in 38 appearances across all competitions. This is a clear indicator of his combative and often reckless style of play, which has frustrated both his teammates and coaching staff. His disciplinary record this season paints a picture of a player prone to fiery outbursts, and his tendency to react dramatically to fouls and refereeing decisions has earned him several bookings. It’s clear that these actions have not gone unnoticed in the locker room, and the growing frustration among the squad is palpable.

Vinícius’ Emotional Volatility and Impact on Real Madrid’s Dressing Room

The emotional volatility of Vinícius Júnior has been a point of concern for Real Madrid management. Despite his undeniable talent and contribution to the team, Marca reports that his attitude and lack of tactical discipline have increasingly become a source of frustration. The Brazilian has been described as "hot-headed," often reacting explosively to situations on the field. His inability to control his emotions has led to him being involved in several on-pitch confrontations. This is not the first time that his behavior has drawn attention. Several Real Madrid veterans have privately expressed their displeasure with Vinícius’ tendency to overreact to situations, with some teammates suggesting that his attitude is hurting the team's collective chemistry.

Additionally, Vinícius Júnior's defensive effort has come under scrutiny. His reluctance to track back and contribute defensively has been noted as a flaw, with opponents regularly exploiting the left flank, especially in high-stakes matches. The tactical demands of Real Madrid, under manager Carlo Ancelotti, require every player to contribute both offensively and defensively, but Vinícius has often neglected this aspect of his game. His lack of discipline in tracking back has placed undue pressure on the team’s defense, particularly in high-intensity situations where quick transitions are critical.

Vinícius Júnior and His Perception of Superiority

One of the major sources of tension between Vinícius Júnior and his teammates lies in his own perception of his status at the club. According to reports, the 22-year-old sees himself as the flagship star of Real Madrid, arguably believing that his performances in past seasons have earned him a privileged position within the club. In fact, he views himself as the central figure in the club's drive to win major trophies, including the Champions League. However, such a belief may have led to his overconfidence and self-centered approach, which in turn has alienated some of his teammates. His behavior on the pitch, marked by dramatic gestures and constant complaining, has contributed to a sense of division in the squad.

It’s said that Vinícius Júnior is seeking a pay rise and a more significant role in the club's long-term plans, potentially surpassing the salary of Kylian Mbappé, who remains a target for Real Madrid. This request, however, has not been received well by club president Florentino Pérez, who has been steadfast in his commitment to build the team around Mbappé. The Pérez-Vinícius standoff could be the beginning of a major rift at the club.

Ancelotti’s Continued Support for Vinícius

Despite the growing discontent among his teammates, Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager, continues to offer his full support to Vinícius Júnior. Ancelotti, a seasoned tactician known for managing high-profile players, insists that Vinícius is an irreplaceable part of the team. "You cannot deny his individual ability; Vinícius is still one of the top talents in the world," Ancelotti was quoted as saying. "For me, he is a key player for this club. He may have some ups and downs, but he is crucial to the team, and that is a fact."

Ancelotti’s unwavering belief in Vinícius’ ability could be seen as a vote of confidence, which provides the Brazilian with the psychological support needed to rise above his critics. However, this continued backing has also sparked debate among fans and pundits, many of whom question whether Ancelotti is enabling Vinícius' negative behavior or allowing him the space to mature.

The Growing Influence of Saudi Arabia’s Financial Power

Amidst all this internal unrest, Vinícius Júnior’s future at Real Madrid is reportedly being influenced by the financial clout of Saudi Arabian clubs. As previously reported, the Saudi Pro League has made a lucrative offer to the Brazilian star, which has caught the attention of both Vinícius and his representatives. While the player’s preference is to remain at Real Madrid, he is said to be open to negotiations regarding his contract renewal and salary demands.

However, Florentino Pérez is reportedly unwilling to meet Vinícius’ demands, particularly when it comes to offering him a higher salary than Kylian Mbappé, whose future at the club remains a priority for the club president. Pérez has made it clear that he will not allow players to dictate terms based on personal ego, as seen in previous situations with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos.

The Future of Vinícius Júnior at Real Madrid

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Vinícius Júnior at Real Madrid. His behavior on and off the pitch continues to stir debate, and it’s clear that his time in Madrid could be nearing its end unless he makes significant changes to his attitude and approach. Despite this, Vinícius remains an extraordinary talent, capable of changing the course of a match with his brilliance. Whether or not he can mature into a more disciplined and consistent performer remains one of the most pressing questions facing Real Madrid.

The coming months could be pivotal, as Vinícius Júnior must decide whether to align his demands with the reality of the club’s ambitions or risk facing a future away from the club he once thought would be his for the taking.