Kylian Mbappe has issued a strong appeal for unity at Real Madrid, urging supporters to stop singling out Vinicius Jr as frustrations grow over the club’s inconsistent form this season.
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League home clash against Monaco on Tuesday, the France forward said responsibility for the team’s struggles must be shared collectively, not placed on one player. His comments follow tense scenes at the Santiago Bernabeu during Saturday’s 2-0 LaLiga win over Levante, where Vinicius was repeatedly booed by sections of the crowd.
“I understand the fans because we’re not doing things right,” Mbappe told a press conference on Monday.
“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.”
Although the victory over Levante moved second-placed Real Madrid within one point of league leaders Barcelona — who slipped up against Real Sociedad on Sunday — the result did little to ease tensions inside the stadium. Vinicius was jeered throughout the match and heavily targeted during the pre-game lineup announcements, with loud boos echoing around the Bernabeu.
The backlash reflects a broader sense of unrest surrounding the 15-time European champions. Defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final earlier this month, followed by a stunning 3-2 Copa del Rey elimination by second-division Albacete, has left many supporters disillusioned with the team’s direction.
The pressure intensified further last week with the dismissal of head coach Xabi Alonso, just seven months into his tenure. Reports of dressing-room tension — including alleged clashes between Alonso and Vinicius — have added to the perception of instability during a difficult campaign.
Saturday’s match offered a stark illustration of the strain. Television footage captured a visibly emotional Vinicius sitting on the stadium steps after hearing the boos during the lineup announcement, highlighting the personal toll of the criticism.
Mbappe, who was seen consoling the 23-year-old winger before kickoff, stressed the importance of protecting a player he described as vital to Real Madrid’s success.
“Vini, like you, like her, like everyone else, he’s a human being,” Mbappe said.
“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.”
With crucial Champions League fixtures ahead and domestic pressure mounting, Mbappe’s message underscores a growing belief inside the squad that unity — rather than scapegoating — will determine whether Real Madrid can steady their season and reassert themselves at the top level.
