Vinícius Júnior

Karim Benzema has stepped forward to defend Vinícius Júnior after the Brazilian’s heated reaction to being substituted during El Clásico, insisting the moment was nothing more than an expression of the winger’s competitive spirit. Speaking with calm reassurance, Benzema played down the controversy, saying, “He gets angry when he leaves the pitch. That’s normal. That’s his character.” His words come amid growing debate about Vini Jr.’s temperament, particularly in high-pressure fixtures where emotions often run high.

According to Benzema, who shared years of attacking partnership with Vinícius at Real Madrid, the frustration shown by the young forward should not be …