'Emotions made me the defender I am today' - Antonio Rudiger reflects on 'truly stupid' referee outburst in Copa del Rey final as Real Madrid star says he 'thrives' on passion

Rudiger has looked back on the dramatic scenes from the Copa del Rey final, when he completely lost his temper after Real Madrid’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona. The German international threw tape towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, hurled insults and had to be physically restrained by his team-mates and staff. The incident earned him a six-match suspension, a sanction that also gave him time to undergo long-delayed surgery on his meniscus. The 32-year-old returned to the pitch in Madrid’s 3-0 win over Oviedo, where he once again crossed paths with De Burgos, though this time their interaction was limited to an unimpressed look after a penalty appeal was waved away.

Rudiger’s suspension has raised questions about his temperament, with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann warning that there can be “no second or third attempt” if he crosses the line again. Regardless, Nagelsmann called him up for the World Cup qualifiers, highlighting his importance to Germany’s defence. Aware of the scrutiny he is now under, Rudiger admits he must prove he can channel his passion in a positive way. 

“There’s no question that my behaviour was wrong and absolutely excessive there are no excuses for that. It was truly stupid to throw my tape onto the pitch and then lose my nerve like that. I’m aware that I’m now being watched particularly closely,” he told the SZ newspaper. 

He added: "My playing style thrives on these emotions; they've made me the centre-back I am today. But in the context of this final—the disappointment of the defeat, the discussions about the referee, and my own serious injury - I clearly overstepped my bounds. That was a huge mistake, and one that annoyed me the most." 

Rudiger also opened up about his recovery process, stressing how important the summer was for regaining full fitness after undergoing surgery in April: “I just got reasonably fit during the Club World Cup, but I wasn’t 100 percent yet. On vacation, I was able to recharge my batteries and give it my all in preseason. My goal is to get back to my best performances now that I’m finally completely pain-free.”

The former Chelsea defender will join up with the German national team as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers, including a tricky game away to Slovakia. With his fitness restored and suspension served, Rudiger aims to prove he can combine passion with discipline as Los Blancos chase more silverware and Germany eye qualification.