"His behavior is not correct" - Ex-Real Madrid star calls out Vinicius Jr for on-field antics following 2024 FIFA The Best win
Former Real Madrid defender Rafael Alkorta has criticized Vinicius Jr. for his on-pitch behavior. Alkorta's comments came after the Brazilian superstar was named FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year on December 17.
Vinicius Jr. has been crucial for Real Madrid recently and finished second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or race. In 284 appearances for Los Blancos across competitions, Vinicius has contributed 96 goals and 84 assists since joining them in 2018. He led Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, and the Supercopa de Espana last season.
Despite his excellent performances, the Brazilian superstar has often faced scrutiny for his controversial behavior on the pitch. The Selecao star has received 53 yellow cards and one red card over his 284 outings for the Merengues.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, ex-Real Madrid defender and current sporting director of Athletic Club, Rafael Alkorta, shared his thoughts on Vinicius Jr.'s on-field antics.
"On the subject of Vinicius, I think the club will have to take action at some point. I’m sure everyone has tried in every way, especially Ancelotti, but I think we have to try to make the boy understand that, as good as he is, he is a role model for many kids, and that his behavior is not correct," Alkorta said.
Vinicius Jr. was last spotted losing his cool during Los Blancos' 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga (December 14). According to ESPN, LaLiga will report one of Vinicius' controversial gestures towards Rayo Vallecano fans during the game which seemingly indicated they will be relegated to the second division.
"I think there was provocation" - LaLiga president Javier Tebas on reports of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr's controversial gestures during Rayo Vallecano clash
In an interview with reports on Monday (Dec 16), LaLiga president Javier Tebas addressed reports of Vinicius Jr's controversial gestures. The complaints pertained to the Brazilian's behavior during Real Madrid's 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano on December 14.
As quoted by ESPN, Tebas said:
"I'll have to see the final report. I saw the game. It's important to stress that there was no racist chanting. I think there was provocation, with those insults, and the player, like any other, got annoyed, that's all."
In the 74th minute, Vini Jr. was spotted vehemently protesting a foul called by referee Martínez Munuera. This led him to receive a yellow card, marking his fifth booking in LaLiga this season. However, the Los Blancos forward did not stop his complaints and continued to escalate the situation.
Vini's card will lead him to miss the Merengues' clash against Sevilla. After the match, the Brazil superstar was once again criticized for his second-division gesture towards Rayo Vallecano fans.