Donnarumma Angry with Vinicius' Celebration: He Should Try to Make Everyone Like Him

Gianluigi Donnarumma questioned why Vinicius Junior needed to celebrate his goal in front of Manchester City fans, saying that a player of his caliber should be loved by everyone.

The Brazilian scored twice as Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, early morning WIB, to complete a 5-1 aggregate win and advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.

His first penalty goal was celebrated with a gesture of pretending to cry - a dig at a banner displayed by Manchester City fans during Real Madrid's visit in February 2025 which read 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out'.

The gesture itself was a dig at Vinicius' disappointment at losing out to Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d'Or race.

However, the celebration of his second goal in injury time is what seems to have upset Donnarumma. The Citizens' goalkeeper approached Vinicius who was standing in front of the home fans while pointing to the name on his shirt.

"He's a champion and should be loved by everyone. I said that to him. He's played two great games, but I think people like him should be loved by everyone."

"He has to try to make everyone like him because he is a champion," Donnarumma said.

Manchester City played for almost the entire match with 10 players after captain Bernardo Silva was sent off for touching the ball with his hand as Vinicius shot.

Erling Haaland scored as the Citizens fired 22 shots, but a comeback was impossible.

Manchester City now have to try to bounce back for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Donnarumma then had to face the 2026 World Cup Qualification Round with the Italian National Team (Timnas).

"I think the red card was decisive, but football is like that, it consists of incidents, especially in the Champions League."

"I'm proud of my teammates, we played a great game and with 11 against 11 the result would have been different."

"The disappointment is huge, but we have to pick ourselves up because on Sunday we now have to bring home the Carabao Cup."

"There is also the Italian national team and the need to bring our country back to the World Cup," Donnarumma said.