The Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo has targeted Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior as the central figure in a growing controversy, accusing him of exhibiting “childish behavior” after losing his position as the team’s sole standout player.

While Real Madrid’s celebrations following their victory in El Clásico should have been the main focus, Mundo Deportivo chose to highlight what it described as “worrying cracks” within the walls of the “White Ship.” In a sharp morning report, the newspaper positioned Vinícius as the protagonist of the crisis, blaming him for reactions deemed immature and stemming from the shock of losing his “throne” as the team’s key figure.

The incident cited by the newspaper occurred in the 72nd minute of the match. With Real Madrid leading and controlling the game, coach Xabi Alonso made a tactical substitution, taking the Brazilian forward off the field. Rather than exit calmly and acknowledge the crowd, cameras captured Vinícius visibly frustrated, muttering and displaying body language that the newspaper labeled as “childish behavior.”

Mundo Deportivo argued that his reaction, given the team’s dominance, could not simply be attributed to competitive anger or a desire to play, but instead reflected a deeper issue: a “crisis of identity” for the player who, until recently, was the darling of the Santiago Bernabéu fans.

“Elegance” vs. the Spotlight

The report offered a psychological analysis, noting that Vinícius struggled to accept the dramatic shift in the power dynamics within Real Madrid’s locker room. After years as the absolute star—the central figure in attacks and the hero who delivered the 14th Champions League title—he suddenly found himself “in the shadows.”

The newspaper pointed to two key reasons: Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.

Both newcomers not only stole the spotlight but, according to the report, did so with a maturity Vinícius failed to match. Mundo Deportivo praised their “elegance and professionalism” both on and off the field. Bellingham acted as a leader from day one, deciding matches and speaking to the media with remarkable poise, winning over fans with his refined presence and performance. Mbappé, the anticipated “Galáctico,” proved to be a ruthless goal-scoring machine, focusing quietly on scoring while avoiding exaggerated displays.

In contrast, the report claimed Vinícius, unable to match this performance excellence, chose a different path. The newspaper accused him of seeking attention through behavior rather than on-field contributions, resorting to drama, showing anger at substitutions, and engaging in unnecessary confrontations.

Yamal Incident – Another Sign

The substitution incident was not the only example cited. The newspaper also referred to events after the final whistle, when Vinícius was seen in a heated and unnecessary verbal confrontation with Barcelona youngster Lamin Yamal.

Mundo Deportivo described this altercation as another symptom of the Brazilian player’s frustration. Searching for an “enemy” or “side battle” to assert his presence, he reacted after losing the central role now held by Mbappé and Bellingham.

Warning for Alonso: “Team Harmony at Risk”

The report concluded with a stern warning to Real Madrid management. Despite the team’s on-field success and victories, “locker room harmony” could be at stake.

The newspaper argued that a team with so many “big stars” is a ticking time bomb, with Vinícius’ behavior acting as the “first spark.” The report called for intervention, either from coach Xabi Alonso, who must assert control, or from team captain Dani Carvajal, responsible for managing the players.

Mundo Deportivo warned that if Vinícius’ “childish” conduct continues and he fails to accept his new role, it could evolve from a minor annoyance into a “virus” threatening the stability of one of Real Madrid’s most successful projects in years.