Toni Kroos, former teammate and locker room leader at Real Madrid, has made headlines following an ironic comment directed at Vinícius Júnior. The German, known for his straightforward character, didn't miss the chance to respond to Real Madrid's new captain in a unique way.
Vinícius's Captaincy: A Personal Pride
On February 25, 2025, Vinícius Júnior debuted the captain's armband for Real Madrid at Anoeta. Vinícius shared a photo on social media with the message: "Living unforgettable moments with the club of my dreams!!!".
The Brazilian didn't hesitate to express what this achievement meant to him. "Being the captain of Real Madrid is a pride for me and my family, after everything we've been through," he said emotionally.
His Teammates' Congratulations
Vinícius's Instagram post received hundreds of supportive comments, including from great locker room teammates like Brahim Díaz, Rodrygo Goes, and Luka Modrić. Each of them highlighted how important this new step in his career is for Vinícius, and they all showed their pride for the position he has reached in the team.
However, among all the congratulations, one stood out for its ironic tone. And that came from Toni Kroos.
Toni Kroos's Ironic Response
The former Real Madrid midfielder, known for his calm and often sarcastic style, didn't miss the chance to joke about the situation. Kroos replied to Vinícius's photo by referencing his usual complaints toward referees, something that has sparked controversy.
"Now you can talk to the referees," wrote Kroos, in a clear touch of humor. This comment didn't go unnoticed and quickly caused reactions on social media, with many Real Madrid fans commenting and celebrating Kroos's response.
The Context Behind the Joke
Vinícius Júnior's relationship with referees has been a recurring topic in recent seasons. The Brazilian has been involved in several controversies due to his constant complaints and gestures toward referees, especially in matches where he felt he was treated unfairly. This situation has often sparked debate among soccer fans about whether these behaviors are part of his character or should be moderated.
In this context, Toni Kroos's irony makes more sense. As a veteran of Real Madrid, Kroos has always shown a more calm and calculated stance on and off the field. Kroos suggested, in a friendly manner, that Vinícius should take on more leadership and a calmer attitude toward referees.