Rafael Nadal sends stern message to Vinicius Jr to get in line amid feud with Real Madrid manager

Rafael Nadal recently shared some advice for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. He wished to see the attacker reach his full potential at the iconic football club.

Nadal has always been open about his love for football and remains a loyal supporter of Real Madrid. He is often spotted attending their matches at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Vinicius Jr. has had a difficult start under new manager Xabi Alonso. Speaking in an interview with Movistar+, Nadal commented on the situation and tried to offer a solution to the Brazilian.

"I think it can be resolved through dialogue, with everyone on the same page. I believe Vini needs to understand who is in charge and respect that authority, and also the club, given what it means to be a Real Madrid player," Rafael Nadal said during an interview with Movistar+

Real Madrid are the league leaders in Spain’s top division this year. They have lost only one match since the beginning of the season.

Nadal retired from professional tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. Since then, he has been spending more time with his family and focusing on his off-court endeavors.

The former World No. 1 attended Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Villarreal in October. The Galacticos delivered a strong performance and won 3–1.

"I think Vinicius Jr. is doing his best, and those things that come out of him, which sometimes aren’t well-received, can be corrected through dialogue and an awareness that things can be improved. The first person who needs to want to explore that path of improvement has to be him," Rafael Nadal continued in his interview with Movistar +

Vinicius Jr. scored two goals for Real Madrid in their victory over Villarreal. Nadal believes the Brazilian is at the right club but needs a better approach to his career.

"When I hear him speak in interviews, saying that he wants to improve in every aspect, I think he needs to find strong allies, and I’m convinced that Real Madrid will have the right people, and he will be there to advise him,” he added

"Kylian Mbappe is proving that he's the best in the world" - Rafael Nadal praises the French forward after a clinical start to the season

Rafael Nadal at the Real Madrid CF v Villarreal CF - LaLiga EA Sports Match - Source: Getty

Rafael Nadal came close to winning a title during his final year on tour. He reached the final of the Nordea Open but lost to Nuno Borges in straight sets.

The Spaniard also sat down with Real Madrid TV for an impromptu interview this year. He spoke about the club’s current form and praised their strong start to the season.

“The reality is that they’ve almost had a perfect run, and Real Madrid will compete for everything. We just need a bit of calm, to let them work, which is vital. You can’t just focus on the moment, you have to think long-term. It’s a long season with major goals, and they’ve handled a tough start really well," Rafael Nadal said

The 22-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about Real Madrid ace Kylian Mbappe. He believes the French forward has lived up to expectations and is one of the best players in the world.

“When Madrid signed Kylian, everyone knew exactly what they were getting. They brought him in believing he was the best player in the world, and he’s proving that it wasn’t a mistake to think so," he added

He’s going to fight to be the best, I’m convinced of it, and he has a great team supporting him. I’m especially happy to see him succeeding because I know how much it meant to him to be here,” Nadal concluded.

Nadal was recently spotted training with Alexandra Eala of the Philippines. The Spaniard has not confirmed anything yet, but he could be involved in exhibition events next year.