‘Embarrassing move’: Barca players mock Vinícius Jr. during title celebration

Barcelona’s title celebrations took a controversial turn as the players decided to take a playful yet provocative jab at Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. during their victory parade. The open-top bus parade through the streets of Barcelona was meant to be a joyful occasion marking their La Liga triumph, but it also served as a platform for some light-hearted trolling.

In a move that caught the attention of many, Barcelona players brought a giant beach ball onto the bus. The choice of prop was no coincidence — it was a clear dig at Vinícius Jr., who was previously mocked by Barca fans during El Clásico with the same beach ball gesture. The underlying message seemed obvious: to remind everyone of the infamous moment when the Brazilian star failed to win the Ballon d’Or, often jokingly referred to as the ‘beach ball’ by some of his critics.

Social media quickly erupted with reactions to the stunt, with fans of both clubs weighing in. Some saw it as clever banter and a continuation of the playful rivalry between the two Spanish giants, while others criticized it as disrespectful and unnecessary, especially during a celebratory event.

Vinícius Jr. has been no stranger to controversy this season, often finding himself at the center of heated exchanges on the pitch and enduring harsh criticism from opposing fans. The beach ball mockery has become a recurring theme whenever Barcelona and Real Madrid cross paths, highlighting the unique blend of rivalry and showmanship that defines El Clásico.

As for Vinícius Jr., sources close to the player suggest that he is not overly concerned by the incident, focusing instead on preparing for Real Madrid’s final matches of the season. However, there is no doubt that he will keep this episode in mind when the two teams meet again next season.

While some players, including club captain Marc-André ter Stegen, opted to remain more neutral during the parade, others embraced the humorous taunt wholeheartedly. Gavi and Lewandowski were reportedly among those seen laughing as the beach ball was hoisted on the bus, fueling speculation that this was a well-orchestrated inside joke.

Critics argue that Barcelona should have maintained a more dignified stance during their celebrations, choosing to focus on their own achievements rather than poking fun at a rival player. However, the atmosphere among the players seemed relaxed and festive, with most choosing to interpret the gesture as harmless fun rather than a targeted insult.

This incident once again underscores the intensity of the Barcelona-Real Madrid rivalry, which often transcends the pitch to permeate every aspect of both clubs’ identities. For Barcelona, the focus now shifts back to maintaining their momentum as they look to close the season on a high. Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans and players alike will undoubtedly remember this playful jab, using it as motivation when the teams meet next.

Regardless of one’s stance on the beach ball saga, there is no denying that it has added yet another layer of intrigue to the ongoing rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. As the football world continues to react, one thing is certain: El Clásico remains as fierce and dramatic as ever, both on and off the pitch.