Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has spoken out in defense of Vinicius Júnior, who drew criticism after reacting angrily to being substituted in the 72nd minute during Real Madrid’s 2–1 victory over Barcelona in El Clásico. The emotional outburst, which saw Vinicius gesturing toward the bench and walking straight to the tunnel before returning later, sparked debate among fans and pundits about the Brazilian’s temperament. Kroos, however, urged people not to rush to judgment, emphasizing that such moments of frustration are part of football, especially when emotions run high in a match of that magnitude.
“When you’re playing a great game, especially in a match like this, it’s normal to feel upset when you see your number go up,” Kroos said. “I’ve never liked being substituted either. No player who’s passionate about the game enjoys leaving the field early.” The German legend, who spent nearly a decade at Real Madrid and shared the pitch with Vinicius for several seasons, reminded fans that high emotion is a sign of competitiveness, not arrogance. “Vinicius is an emotional player, and that’s what makes him special. You can’t ask players like him to play with passion and then criticize them for showing emotion when it matters most,” Kroos added.
The incident occurred in the 72nd minute when Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso decided to replace Vinicius, who had been one of the most active players on the pitch. Despite helping create several dangerous chances, the Brazilian was visibly frustrated by the decision. Cameras captured him gesticulating in disbelief before storming toward the tunnel. Moments later, however, he reappeared on the bench, where teammates and staff tried to calm him down.
While some media outlets portrayed the moment as a sign of disrespect toward the coach, others, including Kroos, interpreted it as a natural reaction from a player who lives and breathes football. Vinicius has long been known for his fiery personality on the field. His drive, energy, and emotional intensity have been key factors in his rise to stardom — but they also make him prone to visible frustration when things don’t go his way.
Real Madrid insiders later confirmed that there was no conflict between Vinicius and Alonso, and that the player apologized in the dressing room after the match. Team sources told AS that Alonso understood the Brazilian’s emotions, noting that “it’s better to have players who care too much than those who don’t care at all.” This isn’t the first time Vinicius has shown visible frustration during a substitution, but those who know him best — including Kroos — insist that his passion should be viewed as a strength rather than a flaw.
“You can’t take away that fire from a player like him,” said Kroos. “If he ever stopped caring this much, then we should start worrying. What he brings to the team goes beyond goals and assists — it’s energy, intensity, and belief.”Kroos also used his statement to reflect on his own experiences as a player, admitting that he too disliked being taken off during big matches. “When I was younger, I’d get frustrated as well,” Kroos shared. “You train all week to play 90 minutes, especially in games like El Clásico. The adrenaline is high, the emotions are high, and you always believe you can still make a difference.” The German maestro, known for his composure and leadership, said that while he never reacted by leaving the pitch angrily, he understood the feeling completely.
Matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona are always charged with emotion, history, and massive expectations. For players like Vinicius, who has become one of the faces of Real Madrid’s new generation, the pressure is enormous. Every touch, gesture, and reaction is scrutinized by cameras and critics. Kroos pointed out that such scrutiny often overlooks the human side of athletes. “People see a player like Vinicius and think he’s just a footballer, but they forget he’s also a person. The emotions, the adrenaline, the frustration — they’re all real. What he feels on that pitch is what makes him great.”
Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, Vinicius has evolved from a promising teenager into one of the most decisive attackers in world football. His partnership with players like Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo has become central to the team’s identity. However, his passion and intensity often put him at the center of media debates — something Kroos believes is part of the burden of greatness. “When you’re one of the best, people expect perfection. But perfection doesn’t exist. What matters is consistency, dedication, and the will to improve — and Vinicius has all of that.”
