Mallorca defender Pablo Maffeo believes his heated rivalry with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior may have cost him an opportunity with the Spanish national team.
Vinicius, who is recently discovered to have Cameroonian heritage, has been criticised for his antics that are causing problems with opponents.
Maffeo, who previously played for Spain’s U21 squad, was involved in a well-publicized feud with Vinicius earlier in the 2024/25 season.
Their clash escalated during the Spanish Super Cup, where the defender had vowed to “knock out” the Brazilian, leading to an on-field confrontation during Real Madrid’s victory over Mallorca.
Reflecting on his national team aspirations, Maffeo suggested that his history with Vinicius and Real Madrid may have played a role in his exclusion from Spain’s senior squad.
He also referenced his Mallorca teammate Antonio Raíllo, arguing that he too was unfairly overlooked despite deserving a chance.
“I was called up with Spain U21 team before, but with the stuff that happened with Vini and Madrid and things like that, it made it difficult for me to be called up for the 1st team.
“The same thing happened to Raillo, he should’ve been called up, he deserved it, but instead they took some kid who I don’t even know.”
