Vinicius unexpectedly called to comfort a Barcelona star

While the Barcelona defender was temporarily away from football because of a mental health issue, the Real Madrid striker proactively contacted him to offer encouragement.

Vinicius Jr. has long been one of the most controversial players in La Liga. The Real Madrid forward frequently finds himself at the center of criticism from the stands. However, off the field, the Brazilian player has often shown a contrasting image: calm, mature, and willing to stand for the positive values of football.

According to AS, Vinicius was among the first opponents to proactively contact Ronald Araujo, Barcelona’s central defender, during his psychological crisis. AS reported that Vinicius personally called to comfort, share, and uplift Araujo’s spirits as he faced his toughest moments late last year.

The timing of Vinicius’s call coincided with Araujo’s decision to temporarily step away from professional football to “relieve” pressure. The Uruguayan defender was heavily affected by the wave of online attacks following a serious mistake against Chelsea earlier in the season. The prolonged pressure caused him to suffer anxiety and depression, forcing him to request an indefinite leave from playing.

Vinicius’s gesture becomes even more remarkable considering the intense rivalry history between the two players. For years, Araujo was often deployed by Barcelona as a “tactical shield” to closely mark Vinicius in El Clasico matches. This direct competition led to numerous clashes and controversies on the pitch, reflecting the fierce nature of their rivalry.

However, when the boundary between the pitch and personal life is respected, sportsmanship comes first. Vinicius did not hesitate to cross enemy lines to reach out to his rival in his most vulnerable moment. Notably, he was not the only Real Madrid player to express empathy; Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos also conveyed their support to Araujo.

In the context of escalating tension between Barcelona and Real Madrid, such humanitarian gestures are rare but deeply meaningful. The story of Vinicius and Araujo shows that behind fierce confrontations, respect and empathy exist among individuals who endure the harsh pressures of top-level football.