‘Cholo’ Simeone opens up after Super Cup incident with Vinícius: 'I want to apologize'
Atlético Madrid head coach had an awkward moment with the Real Madrid winger during the semifinal of the competition.
The high-intensity atmosphere of the Madrid Derby in Saudi Arabia has left an indelible mark on the 2026 football calendar, but not necessarily for the football played on the pitch. During the Spanish Super Cup semifinal in Jeddah, a heated exchange between Atlético Madrid manager Diego "Cholo" Simeone and Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior went viral, sparking a wave of controversy across Europe. Simeone reportedly used provocative language, suggesting that Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez was planning to "kick him [Vinícius] out of the team"—a jab that triggered a furious reaction from the Brazilian winger.
Despite the heat of the moment, Simeone took a surprising turn during his post-match duties, opting to issue a public apology rather than defending his actions as "part of the game."
"I would like to apologize to Mr. Florentino and Mr. Vinícius for the episode you witnessed," Simeone stated during a press conference. "I was not in the right place to put myself in that position, and I accept that it was wrong. The team that wins deserves to go through, and they [Real Madrid] deserved it. We were close to an equalizer, but Barcelona is a very good team following a very strong unit of play."
Xabi Alonso’s Moral Stand: "There are Limits"
While Simeone attempted to bury the hatchet, the Real Madrid camp was far from pleased. The match ended in a 2-1 victory for the "Merengues," with goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo, but manager Xabi Alonso was more focused on the lack of sportsmanship displayed by his colleague.
Alonso, known for his composed and "gentlemanly" demeanor on the sidelines, was blunt in his assessment of Simeone’s behavior. He argued that the Argentinian's provocation was beneath the standards of the elite game.
"His attitude is not an example of being a good sportsman," Alonso declared. "Not everything goes in football. You have to have respect for your rival; there are limits that should not be crossed."
Alonso’s comments highlight a growing ideological rift in Spanish football: the clash between Simeone’s "win-at-all-costs" psychological warfare and the new wave of managers who prioritize institutional respect and player welfare.
The Legal Threat: Could Simeone Face a Touchline Ban?
The biggest concern for Atlético Madrid fans isn't just the loss in the Super Cup, but the possibility of losing their leader on the bench for several matches. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is reportedly reviewing the incident under Article 69 of the Disciplinary Code.
The article specifically targets conduct that undermines the spirit of tolerance and respect:
- Definition of Misconduct: Acts that, while not necessarily violent or racist, convey a "degrading, humiliating, irreverent, or insulting message" toward a rival club, its members, or its fans.
- Scope: This applies to any person participating directly or indirectly in the competition.
If the RFEF determines that Simeone’s comments to Vinícius were "degrading" or "irreverent," the sanctions could range from a significant economic fine to a multi-match suspension. For an Atlético side that relies heavily on Simeone’s energy and tactical adjustments from the technical area, his absence would be a catastrophic blow as they enter the meat of the season.
Focusing on the Copa del Rey
As the disciplinary committee reviews the footage from Jeddah, the "Colchoneros" must quickly shift their focus back to domestic competition. Their next challenge is the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, where they will travel to face Deportivo La Coruña.
With the shadow of a potential ban hanging over him, Simeone will need to prove that he can maintain his competitive edge without crossing the lines of respect. For Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid, the incident serves as another reminder of the "Vincícius vs. The World" narrative that has defined the last few seasons—a saga that shows no signs of slowing down even in the neutral territory of Saudi Arabia.
