"He plays terribly. It's unbearable to watch him" - Van der Vaart slams Real Madrid's main star

Vinícius needs to rethink his approach to football.

Details: 43-year-old former Real Madrid and Netherlands national team midfielder Rafael van der Vaart delivered a scathing critique of Real Madrid's leader, Vinícius Júnior, following yesterday's Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich.

• See also: Haras El Hodoud vs Modern Sport: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 08.04.2026

Van der Vaart acknowledges Vinícius as a fantastic player, but believes the Brazilian winger's recent form has been dreadful:

"Vinícius is playing absolutely terribly.

It's just unbearable for me to watch him. It really saddens me because he's a fantastic player!

But as soon as he takes a slight knock, he rolls around the pitch hoping the opponent gets a red card, and then gets up as if nothing happened.

That's the trait of his that I find so disappointing." - Van der Vaart stated.

Rafael van der Vaart played for Real Madrid from 2008 to 2010, making 73 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists.

Reminder: Alvaro Arbeloa makes a bold statement ahead of the return leg against Bayern