Vinicius Jr fires back at Simeone after heated Supercopa clash

January 10, 2026 Oliver Obel

Vinicius Jr has escalated tensions with Diego Simeone after a volatile Supercopa de Espana semi-final, choosing to respond publicly to a touchline exchange that drew sharp criticism from Real Madrid’s bench and lingered long after the final whistle.

The confrontation unfolded during Real Madrid’s 2–1 victory over Atletico Madrid in Jeddah, a result that sent Carlo Ancelotti’s side through to a final against Barcelona but quickly became secondary to events on the sidelines.

According to Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus, Atletico coach Simeone directed a pointed comment at Vinicius during the first half, telling the forward: “Florentino (Perez) is going to kick you out. Remember where you heard it first.” The remark appeared to reference ongoing speculation surrounding the Brazilian’s future at the club and was delivered as the crowd’s hostility toward Vinicius intensified.

Tensions continued to build as the match wore on. Simeone was later seen gesturing toward the stands as Vinicius was booed, further inflaming the situation. When the winger was substituted in the 80th minute for Arda Guler, he reacted angrily and had to be restrained by Xabi Alonso, teammates and coaching staff. Simeone was shown a yellow card as the confrontation spilled toward the technical areas.

Real held on to secure the win through goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo Goes, but the dispute did not end on the pitch.

Shortly after the match, Vinicius responded on social media, commenting on an Instagram video of the incident shared by journalist Fabrizio Romano. “Simeone has lost another knockout game,” he wrote, adding several emojis.

Simeone later exchanged a handshake with Valverde but declined to expand on his interaction with Vinicius when questioned after the game. Speaking via Fabrizio Romano, the Argentine said: “Vini Jr? I have nothing to say. Ever since my playing career, I’ve said that what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.”

He added: “I have a lot of respect for Carvajal, for all Real Madrid players. I clearly told him what it looks like from the outside.”

Alonso took a markedly different view. According to Le Journal du Real, the former midfielder said Simeone’s words crossed an unacceptable line. “I heard what Simeone said to Vini, and I didn't like it,” Alonso said. “You cannot talk like that. Some things cross the line. It’s unacceptable and a lack of fair play.”

For Vinicius, the timing is awkward. The 25-year-old has endured an uneven season, recording five goals and five assists in 19 La Liga appearances and failing to score in the Champions League so far.

With 18 months remaining on his contract, his future has become a recurring talking point. Reports have linked him with Chelsea and Manchester United, while suggesting negotiations over an extension have stalled. Friction has also surfaced internally, with Vinicius apologising in October after an angry reaction to being substituted against Barcelona.

Attention now turns to the Supercopa final, but the latest flashpoint has ensured that the relationship between player and opposing coach remains firmly in the spotlight.

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Sources: Movistar Plus, Fabrizio Romano, Le Journal du Real