Toni Kroos (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Toni Kroos has revealed that Vinicius Junior’s provocative behavior often hurt Real Madrid’s team dynamic, admitting he repeatedly told the Brazilian to calm down and focus on football.
Toni Kroos has openly admitted that Vinicius Junior’s behavior caused problems within the Real Madrid dressing room, saying the Brazilian’s attitude on the pitch often made “the team suffer.”
Speaking at the Icon League event in Düsseldorf, the retired German midfielder revisited one of Madrid’s most debated topics — Vinicius’s tendency to engage in arguments, theatrics, and provocations during matches.
“Even then, I told him several times to stop,” Kroos said. “You had the feeling that his behavior was ultimately causing the team to suffer. It’s completely understandable that it starts to bother — opponents, referees, or fans.”
Kroos and Vinicius spent six seasons together at the Bernabéu, during which time the young forward’s explosive style and emotional reactions often divided opinion. While his skill and determination earned him praise, his frequent disputes with referees and rival players created tension both on and off the pitch.
The 34-year-old explained that the issue extended beyond Vinicius himself, saying that the drama surrounding the winger affected the team’s concentration and composure.
“As a team, you feel like everything is against you because of the things that are happening around you,” Kroos noted. “These conflicts can be distracting and make it harder for everyone to do their jobs.”
Kroos added that he often tried to calm Vinicius down during games to prevent him from losing focus and disrupting Madrid’s rhythm. “I told him many times: ‘You’re so good, you don’t need that,’” he revealed.
His remarks come shortly after Vinicius was criticized for his angry reaction to being substituted in El Clásico against Barcelona. The Brazilian later issued a public apology, acknowledging he had let emotions get the better of him once again.
While Kroos’s comments reignite debate over Vinicius’s temperament, they also underline the growing sense that Real Madrid’s new leaders — including Bellingham and Valverde — will need to help guide the Brazilian star through maturity and leadership challenges in the coming years.