Kylian Mbappé has appealed to Real Madrid supporters to avoid targeting individuals after Vinícius Júnior was loudly booed at the Santiago Bernabéu. Speaking on Monday, January 19, 2026, ahead of Real’s Champions League home match against Monaco on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the French forward insisted the team’s uneven performances are a collective issue, not the responsibility of one player.
Mbappé acknowledged the frustration inside the stadium, but drew a clear line between demanding more and directing anger at a single name. In his view, criticism should reflect the reality of football: results come from the whole group, and so do the problems when a team isn’t clicking.
Bernabéu Tension Despite a League Win
Real Madrid’s weekend victory over Levante delivered three points, but it didn’t calm the mood. The atmosphere at the Bernabéu was tense, with boos aimed at multiple players and Vinícius receiving the brunt of it. Reports described him being jeered during the lineup announcements and during the match itself, turning a home win into a night that still felt uncomfortable for the squad.
That reaction didn’t come out of nowhere. Supporters have been processing a rough spell that included painful defeats and performances that didn’t match the club’s standards. Even with Madrid closing in on the top of the table after Barcelona dropped points, fans have remained restless, demanding clearer progress and a stronger identity on the pitch.
A Turbulent Month and the Pressure of Expectations
The unrest has been intensified by a run of high-profile setbacks, including domestic disappointments that have drained patience and increased scrutiny. At Real Madrid, one poor night can become a storyline; several in a short period can turn into a crisis of confidence across the stands.
The pressure has also been sharpened by instability off the pitch. Xabi Alonso’s recent dismissal, after a short spell in charge, added another layer of uncertainty. When a club changes direction suddenly, the tension often spills onto the players, especially the most visible ones.
Mbappé’s Message: Protect Vinícius, Fix It Together
Mbappé’s main point was simple: Vinícius should not be isolated as the symbol of what’s going wrong. He spoke about the winger as a person first, stressing that players feel the atmosphere and carry it with them. He also highlighted Vinícius’ importance at his best, describing him as a game-changer who can swing big matches when confident and supported.
Mbappé reportedly offered comfort to Vinícius before the Levante game, and his comments continued that same theme: Real Madrid need togetherness, not blame-hunting. From Mbappé’s perspective, the fastest route back to elite performances is a protected dressing room and a crowd that pushes the team forward rather than pulling individuals apart.
Monaco Match as a Turning Point
The Monaco game now carries extra emotional weight. Beyond qualification goals, it’s a chance for Real Madrid to reset the mood with a strong performance and show supporters a clearer response. A convincing night in Europe can quickly change the temperature at the Bernabéu, and the squad will hope that a united backing helps them find rhythm again.
Mbappé’s call wasn’t a demand for silence from the fans. It was a request for fairness: if the team is underperforming, the team must answer together.
