Kylian Mbappé has called on Real Madrid supporters to resist the temptation to single out Vinícius Júnior for the club’s recent struggles, stressing that responsibility for their uneven form must be shared across the squad.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Monaco at the Santiago Bernabéu, the France forward addressed the growing unease surrounding the team after a fractious atmosphere accompanied Saturday’s 2-0 LaLiga win over Levante.
“I understand the fans because we’re not doing things right,” Mbappé said at a press conference on Monday. “But if they boo, they should boo the whole team. You shouldn’t single out one player. It’s not Vini’s fault that we’re playing the way we are now.
“It’s our collective responsibility, and we have the character to change that on the pitch.”
While the victory over Levante lifted second-placed Madrid to within a point of leaders Barcelona — who slipped up at Real Sociedad — the mood inside the Bernabéu told a different story. Frustration spilled over into open hostility, with several players targeted by supporters. Vinícius, in particular, endured sustained jeers throughout the match, including loud boos during the pre-match announcement of the starting line-up.
The reaction reflects a broader sense of disillusionment among the fanbase following a turbulent spell. Madrid’s heavy defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final and a shock 3-2 Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of second-tier Albacete have amplified scrutiny on both performances and personalities.
Tensions have been further heightened by the recent dismissal of head coach Xabi Alonso, who was relieved of his duties just seven months into the role. Reports of internal friction — including alleged disagreements between Alonso and Vinícius — have only added to the perception of instability during an already difficult campaign.
The emotional toll on Vinícius was evident on Saturday. Television cameras captured the 23-year-old sitting alone on the steps leading to the pitch, visibly affected after being booed by sections of the crowd. Mbappé, who was seen consoling him before kick-off, used the moment to underline the human cost of sustained criticism.
“Vini, like everyone else here, is a human being,” Mbappé said. “He’s an incredible talent and a great person, and we need to protect him better. He’s not alone at Real Madrid — we’re all with him.
“When he’s at his best, he’s one of the best players in the world. My role is to support him because when he’s happy, he makes the difference. That should be our collective focus.”
Although the three points against Levante helped steady Madrid’s league position, the tense atmosphere highlighted how fragile the relationship between team and supporters has become. Even Barcelona’s defeat, which offered Madrid a chance to capitalise, did little to quell the unrest.
Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Monaco now carries added significance. A win would move Madrid closer to qualification for the last 16 and could help restore rhythm and confidence under interim boss Álvaro Arbeloa. More importantly, it may offer an opportunity to reset the narrative — and encourage the united backing Mbappé believes is essential if Real Madrid are to navigate their current challenges.
