Pablo Maffeo: I Love Vinícius More Than Bellingham
In the world of football, where on-field performance dictates how fans perceive players, bold statements sometimes go beyond expectations and spark controversy. This was the case when Pablo Maffeo, a player for Real Mallorca, made a daring remark about his preference for Vinícius Júnior over Jude Bellingham, his teammate at Spanish club Real Madrid. In a statement that ignited many debates, Pablo Maffeo said, “I swear I like Vinícius more than Bellingham.” This comment was not just a sporting opinion, but a reflection of two contrasting football styles: direct play versus tactical play.
Table of Contents
Vinícius Júnior: A Direct Attacker
To begin, it’s important to take a closer look at Vinícius Júnior, who has become one of the brightest names in global football. This Brazilian forward, known for his exceptional speed and dribbling ability, continues to prove that he is one of Real Madrid’s standout players in recent years. But what makes Vinícius special in Pablo Maffeo eyes?

Maffeo sees Vinícius as a player with a direct and upfront playing style. As he put it, “He comes straight at you.” Vinícius doesn’t play behind the defensive lines or hide in the corners to make an impact. Instead, he approaches the ball as if it were a battle to be won immediately, attacking spaces with no fear or hesitation. His direct style, built on constant threat, makes him a player whose movements are hard to predict.
For football fans, Vinícius is the quintessential example of a player who faces his opponents head-on. If you’re a defender against him, you know you’re in for a one-on-one battle that’s tough to avoid. And of course, this is the characteristic that Pablo Maffeo loves, as he believes that players who confront challenges openly are the ones he admires most.
Bellingham: An Indirect Style
When talking about Jude Bellingham, it’s important to recognize that he is a player with countless technical abilities. Although he doesn’t have the same speed or dribbling skills as Vinícius, Bellingham clearly stands out as one of the best midfielders in the world. However, his playing style is quite different.

Maffeo mentioned that Bellingham “comes from behind you.” This suggests that Bellingham relies on a tactical approach, working behind the defensive lines to find gaps and opportunities before taking any attacking actions. While Vinícius pushes forward directly, Bellingham prefers to move between the lines and play a role as a playmaker, creating chances and involving his teammates in attacks.
This philosophy, followed by Bellingham, may be favored by some coaches, as his style supports building play more collectively and developing attacks in a more organized manner. But for Pablo Maffeo, this approach seems less impactful, as he prefers players who tackle challenges openly.
The Challenge Between Vinícius and Bellingham’s Styles
By comparing both styles, we can clearly see the key differences between Vinícius and Bellingham. While Vinícius distinguishes himself through his speed and efficiency in direct attacks, Bellingham excels at controlling the game’s flow from behind the scenes. This contrast in style is what led Pablo Maffeo to favor Vinícius, as he indicated that players who seek direct confrontation are the most impressive to him.
Some experts believe that Vinícius is better suited to teams that adopt a direct playing style. If a match demands speed and power in attack, Vinícius is the ideal choice. However, if the game requires building play from the back and distributing the ball tactically, Bellingham would be the better option. This makes the decision between the two players a matter of the tactics the coach prefers.
The Players’ Careers and Development at Real Madrid
One of the factors that makes the comparison between Vinícius and Bellingham more complex is the parallel paths they have taken at Real Madrid. Vinícius, who joined Real Madrid in 2018, quickly became one of the team’s key players due to his outstanding performances. On the other hand, Bellingham joined Real Madrid in 2023, but swiftly proved himself as an essential midfield presence.
Looking to the future, Real Madrid is expected to develop its style of play with both players in mind. Vinícius will remain the speedy attacking winger, while Bellingham will be the key figure in building attacks from the midfield. However, the question arises: Can both players adapt to a single style of play that requires them to work in harmony and cooperate in attack?
Maffeo’s Remarks and Their Impact on Fans and the Media
Maffeo’s comments sparked widespread debate in the press and media. While many may agree with Pablo Maffeo view on Vinícius, there are also critics who believe Bellingham possesses the technical skills that make him a complete player in midfield.
It’s worth noting that Pablo Maffeo himself could face criticism for openly favoring one teammate over another. In fact, it’s difficult for any athlete to publicly admit their preference for one colleague over another, especially when both players are creative in different areas of the game. However, this statement reflects the honesty and transparency that define Pablo Maffeo, making him one of the players who doesn’t shy away from expressing his opinions.

- Competition in Sports and Everyday Life : What Pablo Maffeo said about competition can also be applied to everyday life. In sports, as in life, some people find the challenge and direct confrontation more appealing. Some prefer to live courageously, while others prefer to manipulate systems and look for indirect ways to achieve their goals.
Conclusion: Who is Better, Vinícius or Bellingham?
In the end, it’s impossible to definitively say that one player is better than the other. Vinícius possesses a unique attacking style and the ability to break through defenses directly, while Bellingham offers high-level tactical play in midfield. What makes each of them special is that they represent the new generation of stars who will lead Real Madrid in the future.
Maffeo’s comment simply reflects a personal opinion that expresses his preference for a direct style of play. However, in the world of football, the truth remains that no player is perfect and capable of doing everything. Each player has their specific role and can excel in a particular aspect of the game.
Thus, the debate over which player is superior remains open, but there’s no doubt that both players will continue to influence football fans around the world, whether in La Liga matches or continental competitions.
Have you ever read an article like this?
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.