Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. has called for greater protection for attacking players, naming himself, Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal and Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez as players who need better protection from referees.
The Brazilian expressed frustration over what he believes is unfair treatment on the pitch, claiming that defenders can foul him repeatedly while he ends up being the player booked by the referee.
As reported by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano on X on Thursday, Vini Jr was quoted as saying, “I feel like defenders can always kick me, yet I am the one who gets booked.”
The Real Madrid star also stressed the importance of protecting players capable of making a difference in matches, pointing to 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 also questioned the severity of disciplinary punishments in certain situations, referring to a four-match suspension 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 believes he often faces criticism from rival clubs and the media, suggesting that similar incidents involving him are sometimes treated differently.
Reflecting on his journey at Real Madrid, Vinícius also reminded his critics of the progress he has made since arriving at the club 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 insisted that his achievements at the Spanish giants speak for themselves, pointing to the numerous titles he has won during his time at the club.
He ended with a defiant message to those who continue to doubt him: “Vini always comes back, remember.”