Vinicius Junior has once again been the center of attention for Real Madrid, this time after criticism from the legendary former German footballer Lottar Matthäus. The commentator, who had already pointed out the forward's behavior in December 2025 and in April of the same year, has once again spoken out against Vinicius' attitude on the field. According to the Bild publication, Matthäus advises the Madrid club to take action in this regard, stating that the team works better without the Brazilian.
The former German international, known for his career at Bayern Munich and his reputation as a critic of the press, has compared Vinicius to the current Ballon d'Or winner, Harry Kane. "Kane is a gentleman who understands the game and takes his time. Vinicius is not like that," commented Matthäus, adding that the player is a "grump" whose presence damages the club's public image. Furthermore, the former player expressed his relief that Vinicius is not among the top ten qualifiers for the Ballon d'Or, noting that the lack of recognition reflects the player's lack of discipline.
Matthäus stressed that Real Madrid's problem lies in Vinicius's attitude. "When the player is not there, the team works better: more disciplined, everyone supports each other and is united. With him, he has a huge ego, and all his body language harms the team and the club," he explained. The former international also made reference to the absence of players with similar characteristics at Bayern and Barcelona, which, according to him, makes the problem even more evident at Real.
Matthäus' comment comes at a time when Real Madrid is evaluating its squad and its performance this season. The club has been criticized for the lack of cohesion and the influence of certain players on the team's dynamics. While the club president and current coach have yet to make a concrete decision on Vinicius' future, the former player's comment adds pressure for action.
In the coming days, Real Madrid will have to decide whether to sanction the player, keep him on the bench or look for an alternative solution. Matthäus' opinion, although controversial, highlights the importance of discipline and unity within the team, factors that could determine the club's success in the upcoming season.