Vinícius Júnior has issued a public apology to Real Madrid supporters after a heated outburst during Sunday’s El Clásico against FC Barcelona.
The Brazilian winger’s emotional reaction following his substitution in the 71st minute overshadowed his team’s 2–1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu and prompted him to take responsibility for his actions.
In a statement shared on social media and later echoed during Wednesday’s training session, Vinícius addressed the fans directly, saying: “Today I want to apologise to all Real Madrid fans for my reaction when I was substituted in El Clásico. As I have already done in person during today’s training session, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club and the president.”
He further explained the reasons behind his behaviour, adding: “Sometimes my passion gets the better of me because 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.”
The 25-year-old’s frustration was visible after being replaced by fellow Brazilian Rodrygo Goes despite having played an active role in pressuring Barcelona’s defence throughout the match.
Instead of heading to the bench, Vinícius walked straight down the tunnel, visibly upset, which drew the attention of cameras and divided opinion among fans and pundits.
The incident later escalated when tensions flared following the final whistle, with Vinícius involved in a brief confrontation near the touchline after Pedri received a red card.
The situation raised concerns about the relationship between Vinícius and head coach Xabi Alonso, who made the substitution call. Notably, Vinícius did not mention Alonso in his apology, a detail many Spanish outlets and analysts have highlighted as a potential sign of lingering tension.
Despite the controversy, Real Madrid’s victory in El Clásico reaffirmed their dominance at the top of La Liga, extending their lead over Barcelona to five points. Yet the win was slightly overshadowed by the off-field drama surrounding one of their most influential players.
For supporters, the moment reflected both the passion and volatility that have come to define Vinícius’s career at the club.
The winger’s apology appears aimed at defusing the situation and re-establishing his bond with the fanbase, many of whom were disappointed by his behaviour despite acknowledging his importance to the team.