Freshly crowned as the Best Player of the Year at the FIFA The Best 2024 ceremony, Vinícius Júnior has faced harsh criticism from Rafa Alkorta Martínez. At 24, the Brazilian remains a divisive figure, even among Madridistas.
For several months, Vinícius Júnior has been at the centre of a media whirlwind, mainly due to what many consider inappropriate behaviour. Frequently too hot-headed and impulsive with referees and opponents, the 24-year-old star continues to provoke strong reactions. Following the 17th round of La Liga, played at Rayo Vallecano’s ground (3-3) last Saturday, the Real Madrid winger made headlines again with fresh attacks on the match referee and the home fans in Vallecas. While Mateu Lahoz, a former prominent referee in Spain, lamented this outburst, Rafa Alkorta, a former Real Madrid defender, didn’t hold back in his criticism.
“His behaviour is unacceptable”
Echoing Sami Khedira, who urged the Brazilian winger to address his behaviour to avoid jeopardising his career, Alkorta—who represented Real Madrid from 1993 to 1997 (134 matches, 4 goals)—was equally forthright. Speaking shortly after the FIFA The Best 2024 ceremony, which recognised Vinícius Júnior as the world’s best player, the 56-year-old former Spanish defender decried the impulsive nature of his young Madrid teammate.
According to Alkorta, the FIFA The Best award winner cannot afford to lose his temper in every match, as he serves as a role model for many young athletes.
“Regarding Vinícius, I think the club will need to step in at some point. I’m sure everyone has tried everything, especially Ancelotti, but I believe it’s crucial to make the boy understand that, with all his talent, he’s a role model for many children, and his behaviour is not appropriate,” the former Athletic Club and Real Madrid defender said during an interview on El Larguero.
This is a clear message that increasingly resonates within the Madrid camp. Disappointed by the France Football voters for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, who awarded the prize to Rodri for his stellar season with Spain and Manchester City, Vinícius has found himself under scrutiny for his lack of fair play—a key factor in the jury’s decision. With prominent figures repeatedly calling for a change in his behaviour, perhaps it’s time for Vini to tone down his explosive temperament.
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