Vinicius Junior has revealed why he reacted angrily to being substituted during Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with AS Roma on Wednesday night, with the incident sparking widespread debate on social media.
Jose Mourinho had brought the Brazilian back into his starting XI for the Roma encounter after replacing him during the previous game against Villarreal. However, the decision did not produce the desired outcome.
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With Real Madrid trailing 1-3, Mourinho made a change in the 59th minute, taking Vinicius off and introducing fellow Brazilian Endrick in his place.
The winger was clearly unhappy with the substitution, believing he should have remained on the pitch at that stage of the contest.
Watch the incident below:
🔥 El enfado de Vinicius al ser sustituido.
“¿Por qué me quita?” Parece decir el brasileño.@DisidenciaDep pic.twitter.com/JuZE8D0yt5
— Jaime Herrero (@JaimeHerrero19) October 14, 2026
Endrick subsequently made a decisive impact, scoring once and providing an assist to claim the man of the match award as Real Madrid fought back to secure an entertaining 4-3 win.
**Vinicius admits dip in form and hails Endrick**
Speaking after the encounter, Vinicius explained his reaction in comments reported by Spanish newspaper “Marca”.
“It is natural for me to be angry after being substituted, because I always want to deliver my best level and help the team.
“But the changes made the difference. Endrick changed the rhythm of the match and was the best, and Carlos (Espi) came on for just a few minutes and managed to score.”
The Brazilian acknowledged that his performances have fallen below his expectations, adding: “I am angry with myself because I am not delivering the best version of me, but in the end, Vini always comes back, and I have no doubt that I will return to my level.”
Vinicius also addressed the boos directed at him by supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu. He admitted that the fans were entitled to make their feelings known, although he suggested that the criticism was not helping his performances.
Vinicius said: “Perhaps the jeering does not help me, but the fans pay for their tickets and they have the right to express their opinion. We play better when the fans are on our side. Jude Bellingham performs better, Kylian Mbappe plays better, and I am better too.”
“I think it is easier to whistle at me, because I have been at the club for longer and because I am one of Real Madrid’s leaders,” he continued.
Despite the difficult period, the forward remains confident that he can rediscover his best form.
“I will come back. When I arrived here at a young age, many people mocked me, but in the end I have scored more than 100 goals in a Real Madrid shirt.”
Vinicius will now miss Real Madrid’s next four La Liga fixtures following the suspension imposed on him on Wednesday evening.
