Brazilian forward Vinicius has issued a public apology to Real Madrid after his angered reaction to being substituted during a tense 2-1 win over arch-rival Barcelona at the weekend.
Vinicius remonstrated with coach Xabi Alonso and marched off down the tunnel after he was hauled off in the 72nd minute and replaced with Rodrygo.
🚨 Vinicius is fuming as Xabi Alonso subs him off after his amazing performance, kicks the bottles away and walks straight down the tunnel.
— Earth_Wanderer (@earth_tracker) October 26, 2025
xabi is disgraceful.
pic.twitter.com/eUoBKi5sBr
Vinicius did not mention the Real Madrid coach in his apology.
"Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in the Clasico. Just as I have already done it in person during today's training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, club and president," said the 25-year-old.
"Sometimes passion gets the better of me by always wanting to win and help my team. My competitive nature is born from the love I feel for this club and for everything it represents. I promise to continue fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since day one," Vinícius said.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Vini Jr statement. 🤍🇧🇷
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 29, 2025
“Today I want to apologize to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clásico.
Just as I have already done in person during today's training, I also want to apologize again to my teammates, the club, and the… pic.twitter.com/S2c2w2cwVh
The player did return to the pitch-side to see out the match, and was one of the players embroiled in a stand off with Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
Alonso said after the game that the matter of Vinicius's huff would be dealt with in the dressing room.