Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. has urged referees to offer greater protection to attacking players, naming himself, Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal and Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez as players who need better treatment on the pitch.
The Brazilian expressed his frustration with what he considers unfair officiating, claiming that opponents can repeatedly foul him without punishment, while he often ends up receiving a booking.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reported his comments on X on Thursday, Vinícius said, “I feel like defenders can always kick me, yet I am the one who gets booked.”
The Real Madrid forward also emphasised the need for referees to protect players capable of influencing the outcome of matches, specifically mentioning Yamal and Álvarez alongside himself.
“I think we need to protect players who can make a difference like me, Lamine Yamal and Julián Álvarez,” he added.
Vinícius further questioned the severity of certain disciplinary decisions, citing a four-match suspension handed out for pulling an opponent’s hair.
“I do not remember any player being banned for four games for pulling the opponent’s hair,” he said.
The Brazilian also suggested that criticism from rival clubs and the media contributes to the way incidents involving him are perceived, arguing that similar situations may not always receive the same attention or treatment.
Looking back on his career at Real Madrid, Vinícius reminded his critics of how far he has come since joining the Spanish giants as an 18-year-old.
“Remember, I arrived at 18 years old and many people laughed at me. They said I can’t score, then I had more than 100 goals for Madrid,” he stated.
The forward maintained that his record at the club demonstrates his achievements, pointing to the numerous trophies he has won since arriving in Spain.
He concluded with a defiant message to those who continue to question his ability: “Vini always comes back, remember.”
