Pablo Maffeo vs Vinicius Jr rivalry: all their fights and controversies

The rivalry between Pablo Maffeo and Vinicius Jr has captured the attention of football fans in recent years. Their on-field battles have been marked by tough tackles, provocations, and statements that have heightened the tension between the two players.

Early encounters and initial tensions

The first significant clash between Maffeo and Vinicius occurred in March 2022, when a strong tackle by the Mallorca defender on the Brazilian sparked a rivalry that has only grown over time. Since then, every match between Real Madrid and Mallorca has become a stage for personal duels, with Maffeo employing aggressive marking to neutralize Vinicius's offensive skills.

Notable incidents on the field

One of the most controversial moments occurred in August 2024, when Maffeo stepped on Vinicius’s right calf during a match at Son Moix. Although the referee issued a yellow card, many argued it warranted a red. Maffeo defended his actions, claiming he was attempting to play the ball and that the contact was accidental.

Statements off the field

The rivalry has extended beyond the pitch. Maffeo, along with teammate Antonio Raillo, participated in an interview where, in a joking tone, he remarked that Vinicius "cries a lot," referencing the brazilian's complaints during games. These comments further fueled the controversy between the players.

Remarks about a boxing match

In January 2025, Maffeo sparked more controversy by stating on a podcast that, in a hypothetical boxing match, he would "knock out Vinicius in ten seconds." Although he later clarified that his comments were intended as a joke and not to provoke animosity, the statement added tension before the teams’ next encounter.

Attempts at truce and persistence of the rivalry

Despite the constant clashes, there have been efforts to ease the tension. On one occasion, during a hydration break, Maffeo approached Vinicius to suggest putting past disputes behind them, to which the brazilian agreed. However, minutes later, another controversial tackle reignited the conflict, highlighting how fragile any truce between the two players can be.

Recent incidents and current state of the rivalry

On January 9, 2025, during the Spanish Super Cup semifinal between Real Madrid and Mallorca, Maffeo and Vinicius were once again involved in several altercations. In one instance, Maffeo pretended to have been slapped by Vinicius in an attempt to provoke a penalty for the Brazilian. These events demonstrate that the rivalry remains alive, adding an extra layer of anticipation to every match between the two.

Key facts about the rivalry between Pablo Maffeo and Vinicius Jr

• The rivalry began in March 2022 with a strong tackle by Maffeo on Vinicius.
• They have been involved in multiple on-field incidents, including hard tackles and provocations.
• Maffeo has made controversial statements, such as claiming he would "knock out Vinicius in ten seconds" in a fictitious boxing match.
• Despite attempts at a truce, tensions persist in every encounter.
• In January 2025, during the Spanish Super Cup, they were once again involved in altercations on the field.