Matthias Sammer? Lothar Matthaus urges Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to act over Vinicius Junior

Lothar Matthaus has launched a strong criticism of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, calling on club president Florentino Perez to take a clear position on the Brazil international’s conduct on and off the pitch.

The former Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder, now an analyst for Sky Sports, said Real Madrid had looked more effective in matches played without Vinicius under manager Jose Mourinho. He cited important victories over Barcelona in El Clasico and Roma, whom Real Madrid defeated 4-3.

Speaking to German newspaper Bild, Matthaus said: “I am curious to see what Real Madrid will do with Vinicius Junior, because the team works better without him. That is Mourinho’s task now. They played well without Vinicius, who was substituted in the match against Roma, which they also won 4-3.”

Matthaus’s criticism extended beyond Vinicius’s contribution on the pitch. He also questioned the player’s behaviour and personality, arguing that his actions created problems rather than helping the team. He said the forward’s public image did not match that expected of a player of his prominence.

“He is a troublemaker, and that does not help the team in any way,” Matthaus added. “I was pleased that he was not among the top 10 in the Ballon d’Or standings, because what sets Harry Kane apart is that he always presents himself as a gentleman, someone who is understanding and gives everything time. Vinicius is not like that.”

Matthaus calls for Perez intervention

The Germany great went on to compare Real Madrid’s situation with that of Bayern Munich and Barcelona, claiming those clubs did not face the same issue.

“Fortunately, we do not have such a problem at Bayern Munich, and neither do Barcelona,” he said. “But Real Madrid have a problem called Vinicius Junior. When he is not there, the team works better, becomes more disciplined and all the players work for one another. With him, everything becomes about ego and arrogance, and that harms both the team and the club.”

Matthaus directly appealed to Perez to settle the club’s position on the player. He said the president should either reprimand Vinicius or support Mourinho if the manager decides to leave him on the bench, even after his suspension ends.

“For the good of Real Madrid, I hope the president makes his position on Vinicius Junior clear at some stage, whether by reprimanding him or allowing Mourinho to keep him on the bench,” Matthaus said. “Even when his suspension is over, he can remain on the bench, because I clearly believe he is harming the team and the club.”

Vinicius is serving a four-match suspension after being sent off against Villarreal following an incident involving the pulling of Saliba’s hair. He has missed matches against Sevilla and Barcelona, as well as the fixture against Racing Santander scheduled for 1 November 2026.

He is expected to return to Real Madrid’s plans for their Champions League match against AEK Athens on 4 November, having been absent during a run of games in which the team has performed strongly.