Emmanuel Petit Slams Vinicius Jr Over Attitude at Real Madrid, Says “He’s Becoming a Serious Problem” ⚽🔥
Former Barcelona midfielder Emmanuel Petit has hit out at Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, criticizing the Brazilian’s recent attitude and behavior both on and off the pitch.
Petit claimed that Vinicius’ demeanor has changed noticeably since Kylian Mbappé’s arrival at the Bernabéu and his loss of the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Manchester City’s Rodri.
“Vinicius has been a problem at Madrid since he lost the Ballon d’Or to Rodri and Kylian Mbappé joined the club,” Petit told Jeffbet (via SPORT).
“He constantly complains: ‘Why always me? Why am I being substituted? Why didn’t I win the Ballon d’Or?’ He is becoming a very serious problem.”
The Real Madrid forward, who has been one of the club’s standout performers over the past two seasons, was also in the headlines after his angry reaction to being substituted by manager Xabi Alonso during Real Madrid’s El Clásico victory over Barcelona. Vinicius was visibly frustrated on the bench but later apologized publicly for his behavior.
💭 Opinion: Vinicius Needs to Remember What Made Him Special
Vinicius Jr’s brilliance on the field is undeniable — few players combine his flair, pace, and fearless creativity. But in football, talent alone is never enough. Attitude shapes legacy, and lately, the Brazilian seems to be fighting a battle not with his opponents, but with himself.
It’s understandable that the arrival of Mbappé and losing out on a Ballon d’Or might sting — after all, Vinicius worked tirelessly to become the face of Madrid’s post-Benzema era. Yet, his visible frustration and frequent outbursts risk painting a picture of immaturity rather than ambition.
Petit’s criticism might sound harsh, but it carries truth. The best players — from Ronaldo to Modrić — have faced setbacks without letting their ego overshadow their professionalism. If Vinicius wants to be remembered as a legend, not just a star, he’ll need to channel that fire into performance, not petulance.
The world already knows what Vinicius can do with the ball at his feet. Now, it’s time to see what he can do with humility and discipline — the marks of a true champion. ⚪✨
