In the Clásico that ended in a 0-2 defeat to the newly crowned champions, FC Barcelona, Vinicius Junior let his emotions get the better of him with a taunting gesture.
During the first half, the Brazilian, who was jeered every time he touched the ball, lost his patience. He raised his hands toward the stands and clearly formed the number 15 with his fingers.
The message behind this symbolism: a reminder of the 15 European titles that Real Madrid has won throughout its glorious history. The Catalan side remains light-years away from that mark.
This isn’t the first time in recent memory that Vinicius Junior has drawn attention with such an act. In the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City, he also provoked the home fans after converting a penalty in the 22nd minute.
He celebrated with a smile at the corner flag, then rubbed his clenched fists against his face and mimed a “crying” gesture toward City supporters before walking away laughing.
Vinicius had already provoked before. The gesture clearly has multiple origins. Apparently, with this action, Vinicius alluded to the ironic reception from Manchester fans during Real Madrid’s visit in February 2025. On that occasion, a huge banner was displayed in the stands showing City midfielder Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or. Next to it, referencing an Oasis song lyric with the same title and clearly aimed at Vinicius, was written: “Stop Crying Your Heart Out.”
Vinicius complained vehemently after losing to Rodri at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony. His club even canceled its attendance at the Paris event when it became clear the left winger would finish second to Rodri.
**Cancelo Makes History in Football**
Beyond that, the Clásico also brought two more special stories. Barcelona’s João Cancelo became the first player in history to win a league title in four of Europe’s top five leagues.
In the 2020/21 season, the Brazilian won the Scudetto with Juventus. The following year, he was champion with Manchester City, and twelve months later, he lifted the trophy with Bayern Munich.
Cancelo’s collection, however, is far from that of Robert Lewandowski. The Pole, who may leave Barça, celebrated his 13th title in Europe’s top five leagues. He has won championships with Borussia Dortmund (2), Bayern Munich (8), and now with the Catalans (3).
With that, Lewandowski joins an elite group. Only Ryan Giggs, Manuel Neuer, and Thomas Müller have also achieved this feat.
**Real Madrid’s Record Transfers**
| Players | Total |
| — | — |
| Jude Bellingham | Arrived in 2023 for €127 million from Borussia Dortmund |
| Eden Hazard | Arrived in 2019 for €120.8 million from Chelsea |
| Gareth Bale | Arrived in 2013 for €101 million from Tottenham Hotspur |