“Whether people like it or not, Vinicius is still the best player in the world” - Barcelona icon on Real Madrid star’s behaviour in El Clasico

Brazil legend Rivaldo has weighed in on Vinicius Jr.’s stroppy reaction to being substituted during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clasico. The former Barcelona forward stated that he didn’t approve of Vini’s outburst but didn’t agree with manager Xabi Alonso’s decision to substitute the winger.

In the 72nd minute of the match at the Santiago Bernabeu, Alonso took off Vinicius and replaced him with Rodrygo. However, the 25-year-old was not happy with Alonso’s decision, as he was visibly frustrated and stormed down the tunnel. While Vinicius has since issued an apology over the incident, football legends have given their say on the Brazilian’s reaction.

Reflecting on the incident, Rivaldo believed Vinicius didn’t deserve to be substituted, as he was playing well. He noted that the winger’s outburst stemmed from frequent substitutions.

“I don’t agree with what Vinicius did, but we have to give him some leeway,” Rivaldo told Betfair. “Because it’s not just about this match, but about a context of substitutions and repeated situations. Vinicius’ reaction wasn't right, because he said some bad things, and that, of course, looks bad. But you can understand his anger: he was playing well, he was a key player, he participated in the second goal, and he was keeping the ball up front well. I think he got irritated, not only because of the substitution itself, but because it's happened to him in other matches, he's been on the bench before.

Rivaldo then reminded critics that Vinicius is still the current best FIFA Men’s Player, having won the award in 2024.

"Whether people like it or not, Vinicius is still the best player in the world according to FIFA,” he continued. “Honestly, a player like Vinicius, who is so valuable to Real Madrid and an asset to the club, shouldn't be substituted for seven matches. Especially not in a Clásico that they were winning by a single goal, that Barcelona could have tied, and that he, Vinicius, could have sealed the victory for them."

Apart from Alonso, Vinicius also had a heated moment with Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal after the match ended.

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso might be targeting Vinicius to show authority after substitution in 2-1 win over Barcelona, Rivaldo alleges

In the same interview, Rivaldo also suggested that Alonso might have substituted Vinicius during the clash against Barcelona to show off his supremacy as Real Madrid’s head coach.

He added:

"I don't know if there's anything personal against Xabi Alonso, but sometimes a coach, to win over the group, chooses the most outstanding player. And Vinicius, having been the best in the world last year, might end up being his target. It's a way of showing authority. Something like saying, 'If I can do it with Vinicius, I can do it with anyone."

The result saw Real Madrid open up a five-point lead at the top of the table. It was also their first win against the Catalans in their last five meetings.

Edited by Ezekiel Olamide