"I am now curious to see what Real Madrid does with Vinícius Júnior. Without him, Real works better," Lothar Matthäus told SPORT1, in comments translated from German. The former Germany international has revived his criticism of Vinícius Júnior, arguing that Real Madrid look more disciplined when the forward is not involved.
Matthäus' complaint
Matthäus went further in remarks published by Bild and carried by A Bola, saying, "The problem of Real Madrid is Vinícius." He added that without him, the team is "more disciplined, everyone supports each other, they are united" and said that with him there is "a huge ego" and "all his body language." He also said he hopes the club president intervenes and that someone "reprimands him" or leaves him on the bench.
The criticism lands while Vinícius has made 8 La Liga appearances this season and carries a 6.88 league rating. Real Madrid are also 3rd in La Liga and 4th in the Champions League league phase, so this is not a club in collapse, just one with a star forward under fresh scrutiny.
Brazil's selection puts him on another stage
Brazil included Brazil and Endrick in its squad list for the November FIFA break, so Vinícius remains part of their plans even with the noise around him. SPORT1 reported that Matthäus said the winger is suspended in La Liga until 7 November and will miss Racing Santander and Valencia.
Éder Militão will stay in Madrid while he improves his conditioning after recovering from a significant hamstring injury, which leaves Real with one more familiar name at home while Vinícius travels. Brazil play Japan on 14 November and Singapore on 17 November, and Matthäus' latest intervention means the scrutiny follows the forward into that break.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
