Red card, suspension and conspiracy theories swirl around Vinicius Jr
By Elizabeth Conway
Spanish football reporter
Published 15 October 2026
A strange online rumor, a red card and a four‑match ban have thrust Vinicius Jr back into the spotlight at a key moment in Real Madrid’s season. Earlier this summer his future at the club was uncertain, with contract talks stalled for more than 18 months and Arsenal said to be interested. Those talks eventually ended with an improved deal for the Brazilian, but the attention has not faded.
After that came bizarre conspiracy theories claiming he had been replaced by a body double following cosmetic surgery he had after the World Cup. Then, after his dismissal in the weekend match against Villarreal, a four‑match suspension was handed down, ruling him out of El Clasico against Barcelona a week on Sunday.
Beyond the social media buzz and the disciplinary controversy, larger questions are emerging about his form, his on‑pitch behaviour and his relationship with the Madrid supporters.
From the bench to the red card
A notable moment came when Jose Mourinho chose to start Vinicius on the bench for the Villarreal game, their first since the international break. It was the first time since last April that Vinicius had not started a match for the club, with Mourinho giving Yan Diomande a place in the starting XI instead.
“What makes me sad is the fact he really wants to be at his absolute best,” Mourinho said beforehand. “He wants to be the Vini who wins games, scores goals and makes the difference. Seeing the pain he feels himself makes me sad. He is an extraordinary guy who works very hard to get back to his absolute best.”
“He deserves better treatment, as he has made Madrid very happy on many occasions.”
Vinicius has been continually booed and whistled by some Real Madrid fans this season, along with other players. After coming on in the 52nd minute he appeared to make an immediate impact, scoring what Real believed to be their second goal after a Jude Bellingham assist. He ran toward the supporters, kissed the badge and was engulfed by teammates who piled on top of him in celebration. Even Mourinho sprinted across the pitch to join the celebrations, which felt like a public display of his faith in the Brazilian.
A VAR review changed everything. The referee was sent to the monitor, which showed Vinicius pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair while the ball was in play and neither player was challenging for it. The referee overturned the goal and instead showed Vinicius a straight red card.
The Brazilian’s reaction to the decision then became a further disciplinary issue, with teammates having to intervene as he continued to protest. Mourinho refused to speak to the press afterwards. News spread through the media room that Mourinho felt if he spoke he would say something that could get him suspended.
Four matches and no Clasico
Two hours before Real faced Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday, the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee gave Vinicius a four‑match suspension. Two matches were for the hair‑pulling incident, with a further two for his protests after the dismissal.
The punishment rules him out of league fixtures against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander and Valencia. Most significantly, it means he will miss El Clasico unless an appeal changes the outcome.
Mourinho expressed his frustration at the timing of the announcement, questioning why it came just two hours before their Champions League match.
“Do you think it’s normal for a player who is going to play an important match for Spanish football to know two hours before that he is sanctioned with four games? You don’t need to answer me,” Mourinho said. “It’s not normal. Couldn’t they do it now or tomorrow morning? We found out on the bus and almost arrived at the stadium.”
The Portuguese coach described the decision as showing “little respect” for the club and suggested the timing was intentional, particularly with Madrid facing a demanding schedule in the coming days.
I was so surprised - Vinicius
Following Real Madrid’s 4‑3 victory over Roma, Vinicius also addressed the incident, having apologised to his team and fans on social media.
“I don’t remember any player ever getting a four‑game suspension,” Vinicius said. “I tried to get past the player in front of me and ended up grabbing his hair.”
“That’s it – a red card. That’s why I was so surprised, but I didn’t say a single bad word to the referee to deserve a four‑game suspension.”
The forward also acknowledged his frustration at being substituted in the 59th minute against Roma when Real Madrid were trailing 3‑1. They then scored three late goals to stage a remarkable comeback win.
“It’s normal for me to get upset after being substituted because I always want to play every match,” he said. “I’m aware of my form and how I’m playing. I’m here to help the team, and sometimes I need to come off so other players can play and change the dynamics.”
The Brazilian has gone six appearances for Real Madrid without scoring, with his last goal coming in August against Real Sociedad.
A bizarre conspiracy theory
The 26‑year‑old has also become the subject of bizarre conspiracy theories on social media after undergoing a cosmetic surgery procedure on his chin in July. Because of the visible differences, rumours on social media suggested Vinicius had been replaced by a body double.
Meanwhile, Vinicius’s personal life has also made headlines in Brazil, with his reported split from Brazilian‑American television personality V.