Vinicius Junior was heavily booed before, during and after Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Levante on Saturday and looked visibly upset. The Brazilian winger was whistled everytime he got on the ball and had to be comforted by Kylian Mbappe in the tunnel before the game.
This has led to suggestions that Vinicius is doubting his future at Madrid because he doesn't want to play where he's 'not welcome.' His situation has been one of uncertainty throughout the season amid poor form and his contract expiring in the summer of 2027.
Vinicius hasn't spoken publicly in response to Madridistas' jeering but it's clearly getting to him. He should take advice from Mbappe on how to respond the right way as the French forward has been on the receiving end of boos before.
Mbappe stood up in the face of adversity
Mbappe spent most of his six-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain constantly linked with a 'dream' move to Madrid. Los Blancos' constant pursuit of the Frenchman took center stage during the latter stages of his time in the French capital.
That was the case in late 2021 when it appeared that Madrid had reached a deal with PSG for Mbappe to head to the Estadio Bernabeu. This inevitably infuriated Parisian fans who made their feelings clear when the then-21-year-old was in action.
Mbappe was booed in PSG's 2-0 loss to Stade Rennais on October 3rd, 2021 and it wasn't the only time he was given such treatment by the club's ultras. But he responded to this with maturity beyond his years, telling RMC Sport (via Madrid Zone):
"Fans booed me? I understand, they read rumours, articles, tabloids, honestly, I would boo me too."
Mbappe stayed at PSG and signed a new deal in mid-2022 after looking increasingly likely to joining Madrid. He continued to star at the Parc des Princes albeit failing to fire the Paris giants to much-desired Champions League glory.
Madrid of course finally brought the France captain to Spain in the summer of 2024 after his contract expired. He left PSG having become their all-time top scorer, bagging 256 goals and 110 assists in 308 games.
Vinicius needs to show the right attitude
The very best players in football history have gone through difficult periods in their careers when their relationship with their club's fans can become volatile. Cristiano Ronaldo was booed by Madridistas back in 2017 while Gareth Bale was whistled during the latter stages of his Bernabeu spell.
How a player reacts to this is important and is it shows whether or not they have the fight to prove they deserve to be part of the team. It's clear that many feel Vinicius hasn't been good enough and has been having too much of a say in the dressing room amid Alonso's exit.
Vinicius hasn't even posted a farewell message to the Spaniard while his teammates have all penned tributes on social media. His behavior is ultimately why there is a clear problem between the Brazilian and Madridistas.