Vinicius Junior faced sharp criticism from the Spanish media after skipping Dani Carvajal's emotional farewell ceremony at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Real Madrid forward's absence during one of the club's most poignant moments of the season sparked widespread backlash, with Marca labelling his conduct "disrespectful" and symptomatic of deeper problems within the squad.
Carvajal played his final match for Real Madrid on Saturday in a 4-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao, capping a remarkable 13-year career that yielded 451 competitive appearances and 27 trophies. The Spanish defender's farewell speech on the pitch proved emotional, marking the end of an era for the club. While his teammates gathered to honour his legacy, Vinicius was reportedly already thinking ahead to his summer plans rather than paying respects to a departing legend.
A Season of Missed Opportunities
The Brazilian winger's absence comes at a turbulent time for Real Madrid. The club endured a disappointing campaign by their standards, losing the La Liga title to rivals Barcelona, falling to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, and surrendering the Supercopa to Barça. David Alaba, whose contract also expires this summer, departed without securing fresh silverware after joining from Bayern Munich in 2021. Together, the departures symbolize a transitional moment for the Spanish giants.
Marca's assessment proved scathing, suggesting Vinicius's behaviour represented "yet another symptom of the current disarray within the team." The publication noted sarcastically that the forward had effectively begun his holiday early, prioritizing preparation for the World Cup with the Brazil national team over honouring his teammates. This disconnect between the old guard's professionalism and the current squad's attitude underscored frustrations building at the Bernabéu.
As Real Madrid plots their rebuild and prepares for the forthcoming season, the handling of legendary departures and squad unity will prove crucial. The contrast between Carvajal's dignified exit and the apparent indifference shown by some players signals challenges ahead for Carlo Ancelotti as he reshapes his squad.
