“He is Real Madrid’s problem!” Lothar Matthäus tears into Vinicius Junior – and demands tough consequences from Mourinho
Most-capped international Lothar Matthäus has torn into Vinicius Junior in no uncertain terms and suggested Real Madrid should finally take firm action against the Brazilian.
"I'm curious to see what Real Madrid do with Vinicius Junior now. Because Real function better without him," Matthäus said at a media session ahead of Saturday evening's Bundesliga top-of-the-table clash between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
The 65-year-old pointed to Real's improving form without the Brazilian attacking star, who had missed their most recent competitive matches, including the 2-1 win in El Clásico against Barcelona, because of a suspension following an act of violent conduct and an outburst against Villarreal.
"This is Mourinho's job now, too. Yes, what do I do with Vinicius? We win a Clásico in Barcelona again after two or three years. We perform without Vinicius Junior, who was substituted, in Rome, where they also won 4-3," Matthäus said.
Lothar Matthäus launches fierce attack on Vinicius Junior: "A disruptive influence!"
"He is a disruptive influence. He is a sourpuss. That's how it is. And he is not good for the team. His entire public image. That's why I was glad he wasn't in the top 10 for the Ballon d'Or," Matthäus said of the 26-year-old, who frequently faces fierce criticism for his behaviour on and off the pitch.
Perhaps also because of his difficult character, frequent play-acting, tendency towards violent conduct and abuse of referees, Vinicius narrowly lost to Rodri in the 2024 world player of the year vote after an outstanding season at Real. The result sparked the biggest controversy in the history of the prestigious France Football award when Vinicius and Real boycotted the event.
In this year's vote, which Harry Kane won, Vinicius finished only 17th after coming 16th in 2025. "That's something Harry Kane has been recognised for, or that sets him apart: the fact that, in public, he is someone who ultimately shows understanding for everything, who takes time for everything, who is a gentleman. And Vinicius Junior is not."
Vinicius Junior? Matthäus calls on Mourinho to take a hard line
Bayern Munich "thankfully don't have anything like that", Matthäus said, while Barcelona are also spared such airs and graces: "Real Madrid have this problem. Real Madrid's problem is called Vinicius Junior. When he isn't there, the team function: more disciplined, everyone playing for each other, together. With him, it's an ego. A big ego, and his whole body language. And that harms the team, and it harms the club too."
Matthäus called on Real's officials, including president Florentino Perez and Jose Mourinho, to take a hard line. "I hope, for Real Madrid's sake, that at some point the president speaks plainly about Vinicius Junior, that he either puts him in his place or Mourinho leaves him on the bench. If he's suspended, he can't play him, but a fit Vinicius Junior can sit on the bench too, because in my opinion, from a distance, he harms the team. And the club."
Until at least 7 November, Vinicius Jr. remains suspended in La Liga and will miss the matches against Racing Santander and Valencia. He can, however, play in the Champions League. During his suspension, he started twice there, against Roma (4-3) and RB Leipzig (4-1). Real Madrid travel to AEK Athens next Wednesday.
