‘My passion got the better of me’ – Vini Jr issues El Clasico apology to Real Madrid

Robin Bairner

Updated: 29 Oct 2025 12:51 GMT
4 min read

Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Vinicius Junior has gone public to apologise for his behaviour during Real Madrid’s 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona on Sunday.

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Vini was at the heart of two major controversies during the game. Firstly, he clashed with head coach Xabi Alonso as he left the field, complaining that he is always replaced. Secondly, he was involved in a spat with Barcelona star Lamine Yamal after the full-time whistle, angry that the youngster had called out Los Blancos in a podcast prior to the game.

The fallout from this match has been spectacular, casting major doubt over the Brazil international’s future at the club.

Current ETV

Vinicius Junior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€90.7M - €110.9M

Quelling at least some of this speculation, Vini Jr has issued a statement to Real Madrid fans in relation to his actions.

He said in a statement issued on X: "Today I want to apologise to all Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted during the El Clasico. Just as I have already done in person during today's training session, I also want to apologise once again to my team-mates, the club and the president."

"Sometimes my passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive spirit comes from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid just as I have done since my very first day."

Vini Jr apology a big step forward

This move is likely to be an important step to reconciliation with head coach Xabi Alonso, with whom he has had a thorny relationship almost from the beginning.

Vini Jr is unhappy that he has played 90 minutes only on three occasions this season, with this loss of status at the Bernabeu one of the reasons why he has yet to agree a new contract with the club.

Despite his apology, the future of the Brazilian hangs in the balance and any further outburst could spell the end.

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