Mansion Sports – Toni Kroos has acknowledged that he understands the criticism directed at his former Real Madrid teammate, Vinicius Jr, regarding the forward’s behaviour on the pitch, noting that the Brazilian’s emotional reactions can at times be “disruptive.”

The German football icon offered his perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding the winger, who recently apologised to Real Madrid supporters after reacting angrily when substituted during last month’s El Clasico against Barcelona.

Vinicius Under Scrutiny for His Outburst During El Clasico Substitution

The Brazil international expressed visible frustration after being withdrawn during the first El Clasico of the 2025–2026 season on 26 October.

The 25-year-old shouted “always me” toward Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso upon being taken off in the 72nd minute, before adding, “I’m out of the team, it’s better if I leave, I’m gone.”

Vinicius vented his anger by walking past Alonso and heading straight down the tunnel, eventually returning to the bench to watch his side complete a 2–1 win over Barcelona.

He later confronted Barça winger Lamine Yamal in an unpleasant post-match exchange at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Brazilian Star Issues Public Apology to Real Madrid Supporters

Despite the incident, Vinicius expressed full remorse by posting an apology to Real Madrid fans on social media.

Three days after the match, he wrote on X: “Today I want to apologise to all Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in El Clasico.

“As I already did directly during today’s training session, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president.

“Sometimes emotion takes over because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character comes from my love for this club and everything it represents.”

However, Vinicius’ apology did not mention Alonso by name, reflecting reports of a strained relationship between the two.

Former Real Madrid Midfielder Kroos Reveals He Tried to Rein in Vinicius

As debate continues over Vinicius’ temperament following the Barcelona encounter, Kroos revealed that he had tried to help manage the winger’s behaviour during their time together, believing that his conduct often caused the club to “suffer.”

Quoted by Spanish outlet AS from comments made during The Icon League, a five-a-side football tournament he co-founded in Germany, the 35-year-old said: “At the time, I told him many times that it was enough, because the team had the impression that, because of his behaviour, the club was suffering. It is understandable that he might annoy opponents, referees, or spectators.

“As a team, we felt that everything could turn against the group because of what happened around him. I tried repeatedly to calm him down on the pitch, especially so that he would not lose control, because sometimes that happened. I always told him, ‘You are so good that you don’t need all of that.’”

Across his legendary decade at Real Madrid, Kroos won 22 trophies including five Champions League titles and made 465 appearances in all competitions. 

He retired from professional football after representing Germany at Euro 2024, where Julian Nagelsmann’s side were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals.

What Lies Ahead for Vinicius Jr: Real Madrid Resume La Liga Action Against Elche

Despite the criticism surrounding his conduct, Vinicius has continued to deliver strong performances for Real Madrid this season.

The Rio de Janeiro-born forward has scored five goals and provided four assists in La Liga He also appeared in two friendly matches for Brazil as they continued preparations for the 2026 World Cup, defeating Senegal 2–0 before drawing 1–1 with Tunisia.

Carlo Ancelotti’s squad have already secured qualification for next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Real Madrid return to La Liga competition this weekend following the international break. Alonso’s side — having won 10 of their 12 league matches this season — aim to maintain their position at the top of the table when they face 11th-placed Elche on Sunday.

Second-placed Barcelona will attempt to apply pressure when they host Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, with Hansi Flick’s team trailing by just three points.