Former Spain international says Real Madrid would be better off without Vinícius Júnior

Former Spain international Dani Güiza believes Real Madrid would be better off without Vinícius Júnior, suggesting the Brazil forward embodies a culture of poor behaviour that blights the club’s image.

Speaking on Josep Pedrerol’s El Cafelito podcast, Güiza, a lifelong Madrid fan who played in the Spain team that won Euro 2008, portrayed Vinícius as a troublemaker whose on-field conduct reflected a lack of respect.

Similar accusations were levelled at the 25-year-old by former Real Madrid sporting director Jorge Valdano, who branded Vinícius “disrespectful” last month, and Güiza has made plain his view that Vinícius does not deserve a place in Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup.

Dani Güiza: ‘I would kick him out of Real Madrid’

“I would kick him out of Real Madrid,” said Güiza, who was the top scorer in La Liga with Mallorca in 2008 and, at the age of 45, still plies his trade with seventh-tier side Rayo Sanluqueño.

“I still don’t understand why Rodrygo isn’t a starter for Real Madrid, when Rodrygo is the best player Real Madrid has.

“There are people who play to cause problems. I don’t understand it. Those people tarnish the Real Madrid crest.”

A regular on the left side of Madrid’s attacking trident attack under previous manager Carlo Ancelloti, Vinícius has found it tougher going since the summer arrival of Alonso, competing with Rodrygo for a starting place. 

Things came to a head when the Brazilian reacted angrily to being withdrawn after 77 minutes in last month’s home win over Espanyol, exchanging words with the manager before tossing away a water bottle. His actions drew a public rebuke from Valdano.

‘Vinícius should be a little more careful’

“These attitudes, displayed in public, are not healthy; they are not healthy in any case,” said Valdano. “Vinícius is a man who has been very supported by Real Madrid. He has fought against the world. The people, and even the club, between the world and Vinícius, preferred Vinícius.

“But here we are starting to enter another issue. Vinícius is no longer angry with the world, he is angry with his own coach, and the people at Real Madrid have always put the club before the player. 

“He should be a little more careful, because there is also implicit in this type of gesture a lack of respect for the player who is going to enter the field.”

Vinícius has since rediscovered his best form, with a brace against Villarreal before the international break taking his tally for the season to five goals and four assists. 

Why Vinícius Jr’s Real Madrid future could be in doubt

But with his contract due to expire in the summer of 2027 and initially promising talks over a renewal at a standstill, uncertainty continues to surround his future at the Bernabéu. No one doubts Vinícius’s ability, least of all star striker Kylian Mbappé, with whom he has forged a strong bond.

Yet the Brazilian remains a divisive figure in Spain, with some lauding his strength of character in the face of racist provocation from opposing fans, while others find arrogance in his defiant attitude.

Güiza acknowledges the challenges Vinícius has faced and believes he should be supported, but while he believes the striker has “given the striker some very good games”, he also feels he has not helped himself.

“I’m not saying he’s had it easy, but he has to respect you a little so that people respect him back,” said Güiza. “It’s not easy, he’s a kid, but someone has to give him a little and teach him.

“Everything [about Vinícius] bothers me. He’s complaining all day long. All game long, complaining, whether he’s fouled or not. Kid, this is football! There’s contact here.”