Vinicius Junior controversy deepens as Simeone taunt reignites Real Madrid exit talk

Robin Bairner

9 Jan 2026 08:33 GMT
4 min read

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone clashes with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in the Spanish Super Cup, 2026 — © IMAGO

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior finds himself in the centre of fresh controversy following the Spanish Super Cup clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Article continues under the video

Goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo gave Los Blancos a 2-1 victory, with Alexander Sorloth replying shortly before the hour mark for Atleti.

But it was an incident in the first half between Vini Jr and Diego Simeone, the head coach of Los Colchoneros, that sparked controversy.

Current ETV

Vinicius Junior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior

F (CL), M (L)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€88.9M - €108.7M

What did Diego Simeone say to Vini Jr?

Simeone appeared intent on riling the Brazil international winger and exchanged words with him in the first half.

“Vini! Vini! Florentino is going to sell you – remember I told you!” the Argentine is said to have told the Real Madrid star, according to COPE.

When Vini Jr was substituted, it is claimed that Simeone told the attacker to listen to the boos from the Real Madrid fans in the stadium.

The winger had turned in another disappointing display in what has been a difficult season, leading to claims that Los Blancos will not renew his contract, which expires in June 2027, and will instead seek to sell him to the Saudi Pro League next summer.

Xabi Alonso defends Real Madrid star

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has had a difficult relationship with Vini Jr this season, notably when the forward stormed out of El Clasico after being replaced.

But the Spaniard confronted Simeone in the wake of this incident.

“Cholo, focus on your own team!” Simeone said, before complaining to the referee about the Atletico Madrid boss.

After the game, speaking to Movistar, Alonso said: “I didn’t like it. I saw that Cholo had said something to him, and for me, that crosses a line of respect.

“Then I saw he said and I don’t like it when you speak to my team like that. I’m always respectful to players on the other team. It’s not acceptable.”

© IMAGO - Xabi Alonso and Vini Jr have had a difficult relationship

What this means for Vini Jr

What this means for Vinicius Junior’s future is unclear at the moment, but it will surely boost the 25-year-old to see his coach has his back.

Nevertheless, the longer his poor form goes on, the weaker his position becomes when it comes to negotiating his new contract with Real Madrid. His last goal was on 4 October against Villarreal, meaning he is on a 16-game goal drought.

Vini is still demanding big money, yet his performances this season do not justify such a deal.

Simeone might not have been gracious in the way he approached the subject, but Real Madrid certainly have much to ponder with regards the former Ballon d’Or runner-up.

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