The Santiago Bernabéu, usually a fortress of unwavering support for Real Madrid, turned hostile on January 17, 2026, during the La Liga clash against Levante. Following a turbulent week marked by defeats to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and a shocking Copa del Rey exit against second-division Albacete, fans unleashed their frustration with widespread whistling and booing—directed at nearly every player, but especially intensely toward star forward Vinícius Junior.
In a particularly poignant moment captured on video and widely shared across social media, Vinícius appeared visibly emotional and upset upon hearing his name booed during the pre-match announcements and warm-ups. The Brazilian, who has been a key figure for Los Blancos and a target of fan expectations amid a dip in form, looked affected by the reaction from the stands.
A Show of Solidarity from Mbappé
Amid the tension, teammate Kylian Mbappé stepped up with a touching gesture. Reports and footage show Mbappé approaching Vinícius in the tunnel or sidelines area before kickoff, offering comfort and encouragement to lift his spirits.
Why Vinícius Faced Such Intense Criticism
Vinícius Júnior has been under scrutiny lately for several reasons:
- Prolonged goal drought — Entering 2026, he endured an extended run without scoring or contributing significantly in attack, contrasting sharply with Mbappé’s prolific form.
- High expectations — As one of the club’s highest-profile players and a Ballon d’Or contender in recent years, fans demand consistent excellence. Previous boos (including during a substitution against Sevilla in late 2025) had already signaled growing impatience.
- Team-wide struggles — The whistles weren’t exclusive to Vinícius; players like Jude Bellingham also faced heavy criticism. The collective protest stemmed from back-to-back eliminations and managerial upheaval following Xabi Alonso’s departure, with interim boss Álvaro Arbeloa in charge for his first home league game.
Despite the hostile reception, Vinícius remained in the starting lineup alongside Mbappé and young forward Gonzalo García in a bold attacking setup.
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