Provoked With a Beach Ball

Late in the match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, a Barcelona fan waved a beach ball at Vinícius, referencing the mocking nickname “Beach Ball” used by some fans to ridicule his playing style and his recent loss in the Ballon d’Or race—an award ultimately won by Rodri Hernández.

Clearly irritated, the Brazilian forward pointed at the fan from the sideline in response. The moment was caught on camera and quickly went viral on social media, sparking mixed reactions from supporters and sports media alike.

Performance and Attitude Under Fire

Vinícius’s reaction came after a match where, despite assisting Kylian Mbappé twice, his overall impact was seen as insufficient to prevent Real Madrid's defeat. His behavior on the pitch has also drawn criticism from former players and pundits, who argue that his conduct could hurt both his performance and public image.

The incident highlights the growing tension between Vinícius and segments of rival fanbases, as well as the intense pressure he faces in his quest to be recognized as one of the world’s best players.