Vinicius Junior experienced a special moment in Real Madrid’s recent match against Real Sociedad. The young Brazilian had the honor of wearing the captain’s armband for the first time in his Madrid career. This symbolic gesture not only reflects his seniority in the team but also highlights his growing status within the Merengue dressing room.
At Real Madrid, the captain’s armband is traditionally given to the longest-serving player in the starting lineup, and this time, Vinicius met that criterion. At just 24 years old, he is already one of the most recognizable faces at the club and represents the new generation of talent carrying Real’s ambitions forward.
Right from the start of the match, Vinicius took his role seriously, notably stepping in to speak with the referee when a group of supporters chanted against his teammate Marco Asensio. Thanks to his intervention, the referee briefly halted the game, in line with protocols aimed at combating discriminatory behavior in stadiums.
Following his team’s 1-0 victory, the Brazilian expressed immense pride during the post-match press conference. “Wearing the armband for the first time is a very special moment. After so many years here, it’s a source of pride for me and my family. I hope to continue representing this club for a long time,” he said emotionally.
Vinicius also emphasized the importance of the victory: “We played well, followed the coach’s instructions, and Endrick scored a fantastic goal. We are in great form this season and want to finish the year with as many titles as possible.” He also revealed that he was approaching his 300th match for Real Madrid, a milestone he hopes to surpass by reaching 400 and then 500 appearances.
However, beyond Vinicius’ performance and ambitions, one comment after the match particularly caught the attention of fans. Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos responded to Vinicius’ social media post, where he proudly displayed his captain’s armband. The German, known for his humor, left a playful comment under the photo: “Now you can talk to the referees.”
This remark quickly spread across media and social networks. It is well known that Vinicius has often been criticized for his animated exchanges with referees during matches. Some observers believe he complains too much or engages too frequently with officials, earning him several warnings in the past.
Toni Kroos, who spent many seasons alongside Vinicius before retiring, knows the Brazilian’s temperament well. While humorous, his comment also reflects a certain reality: as captain, Vinicius must adopt a more measured and respectful attitude towards officials.
Kroos’ message was received with humor by Real Madrid supporters, who saw it as an affectionate nod from the legendary German midfielder. Some fans even joked that Kroos, despite retiring, continues to “coach” his former teammates from the stands.
In the days that followed, Viniciusresponded lightly to his former teammate’s remark. During training, he was seen joking with his teammates about Kroos’ comment, demonstrating the strong relationship he still shares with the German.
Ultimately, this episode highlights Vinicius’ growing place in Real Madrid’s history. From a raw talent to an undisputed leader on the pitch, the Brazilian continues to rise and establish himself as one of the club’s future icons. His first experience as captain could well be the beginning of a long and significant chapter in his Real Madrid journey