Germany defender Antonio Rudiger pleased to be cast as villain at World Cup

On Tuesday, Rudiger secured a one-year contract extension at Real Madrid. He frequently finds himself under scrutiny due to his aggressive playing style, which includes provoking opponents or displaying dissent.

He commented that he values serious criticism but thinks that people frequently exaggerate his conduct to make him a villain.

"To start with, I do respect opinions," Rudiger said during a press conference. "I take them to heart and I have apologised previously for these matters. However, there is not much more to add. Constructive criticism is always appreciated."

"However, one must consider that when you hear so much about it, it generates clicks on social media. I see a positive side to that. My name receives a lot of attention. I cannot fully explain it. Occasionally, negative publicity is good publicity."

Rudiger has been central to multiple controversies over the years for both club and country. This includes a six-match ban for throwing an object at the referee during the 2025 Copa del Rey final in Spain, which drew harsh criticism from Germany's national team director Rudi Voller.

He also appeared to mock Japan's players during a group-stage match at the 2022 World Cup. He chased after the ball with a high-knee sprint that many analysts described as arrogant and disrespectful.

In recent months, the defender has lost his place in Germany's starting lineup to Jonathan Tah. However, he is comfortable coming off the bench as the team gears up to face Ivory Coast in their second Group E match on Saturday.

Germany began their tournament with a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao earlier this week.

When asked whether aggressive players in Spain, such as Sergio Ramos or Portugal's Pepe, receive different treatment compared to those in Germany, Rudiger said he believes he is occasionally singled out on social media for his actions.

"I honestly do not know," Rudiger responded. "In my view, I am once again the villain on social media. In Spain, such actions are more applauded. There have been many matches where I made excellent sliding tackles and groups of supporters chanted my name. Let social media be social media, and we will remain in the real world."