Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos spoke out against Vinícius Júnior’s behavior on the pitch, admitting the forward’s “annoying” antics negatively affected the team in the past.
Vinícius has often found himself under fire for his attitude and outbursts during his tenure in a white shirt. From arguing with officials and provoking players and away fans to outwardly opposing decisions from Xabi Alonso, the winger always seems to be at the center of controversy.
Kroos, who played alongside Vinícius for six seasons at Real Madrid, had a front row seat to the Brazilian’s actions and revealed the toll they took on the team.
“At that time, I often told [Vinícius] that enough was enough, because it feels like the whole team is being harmed by his behavior,” Kroos said at an Icon League event.
“It’s understandable that at some point he might be annoying, whether it’s to a player from the opposing team, a referee or the opposing fans. As a team, you get the feeling that everything is now turning against everyone because of him.”
Always known for his composure and leadership on the pitch, Kroos even tried to manage his former teammate’s emotions for the betterment of the club.
“I often tried to calm him down a bit on the field, but mainly to keep him from losing focus, because it sometimes happened. I often told him: ‘Vinícius, you’re so good you don’t need that at all.’”
The two players helped Real Madrid lift two Champions League titles together before Kroos retired at the end of the 2023–24 season. Since then, Vinícius has received 19 yellow cards and one red card.
