Kylian Mbappe called on Real Madrid supporters to stop targeting Vinicius Junior after loud jeers at the Santiago Bernabeu, urging critics to blame the squad
instead. The forward spoke before Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Monaco on Tuesday, highlighting the need for unity after a volatile league atmosphere during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Levante in Alvaro Arbeloa’s first LaLiga match in charge.
Mbappe addressed the situation directly, stressing that frustration should not focus on one name. "I understand the fans because we’re not doing things right," Mbappe told reporters at Monday’s pre-match press conference. "What I didn’t like was that 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. That’s all I have to say. don’t go after one player. It’s our collective fault, and we have the character to change that on the pitch. "
The France international then underlined Vinicius’ importance inside the dressing room and on the pitch. "Vini, like you, like everyone else, he’s a human being. He’s an unbelievable talent, a great guy, and I’m fortunate to know him. We all need to protect him better. He’s not alone at Real Madrid, and we’re all with him. When he’s at his best, he’s one of the best players in the world. My job is to support him, look after him. When he’s happy, he’s a difference-maker, and that should be our collective focus. "
Arbeloa echoed Mbappe’s defence of the Brazilian and appealed for a different response from the stands. "This is a guy who has been writing his story at Real Madrid for many years. He’s given us two Champions League titles and many magical nights. He needs the Bernabeu to bring out his best. He has a huge heart, he’s very emotional, and his football reflects that. He loves this badge and the fans; he wants them on his side. As a coach, I would love to see a Bernabeu that stands behind its players. " Arbeloa insisted Vinicius will remain central to his plans, adding later: "Perhaps I haven’t been clear enough. Vinicius will be on the pitch as long as he’s available and performing at his best. He’s an extraordinary, fantastic player, and I want him to have the ball at his feet as much as possible because he’s so unpredictable. If I want to have a chance at winning titles, I need Vinicius on the pitch, not off it. "
The tension at the Bernabeu grew from events earlier in the week, when Real Madrid suffered a shock Copa del Rey exit against second-tier Albacete. Three days later, Arbeloa’s team beat Levante 2-0 at home, with second-half goals from Mbappe and Raul Asencio. That result did not calm supporters, who booed throughout and directed extra hostility at Vinicius when the starting line-ups were read out.
Real Madrid return to the same stadium on Tuesday for their penultimate Champions League league-stage fixture, again under close scrutiny from their own fans. Mbappe enters the Monaco meeting with a strong personal record against the club where Mbappe started a professional career, while Vinicius looks for a lift after a difficult European campaign so far, including a scoreless run in this season’s competition.
| Player | Opponent / Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Additional stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappe | vs Monaco (all competitions) | 14 | 11 | 4 | Directly involved in 15 goals |
| Kylian Mbappe | Champions League 2025-26 | - | 9 | - | Leads competition for goals, goal involvements and 20 chances created |
| Vinicius Junior | Champions League 2025-26 | 6 | 0 | - | No goals in current European campaign |
Mbappe’s numbers underline the attacking responsibility carried for Real Madrid at this stage of the season, with only Montpellier and Lille yielding more combined goals and assists in Mbappe’s career than Monaco. At the same time, Vinicius’ lack of goals in six Champions League appearances contrasts with earlier decisive contributions, heightening focus on both form and the reaction Vinicius receives from Real Madrid supporters.
With domestic disappointment still fresh and Champions League progress at stake, Real Madrid enter Tuesday’s match needing both performance and calm inside the Bernabeu. Mbappe and Arbeloa have placed public emphasis on collective accountability and on backing Vinicius, framing supporter behaviour as a factor that could affect Real Madrid’s level as the club seeks further titles this season.
