Real Madrid Fans Turn on Star Vinicius Junior with Shocking Boos at Home
Real Madrid supporters are notoriously difficult to satisfy—just look at Vinicius Junior, one of the planet's most thrilling attackers.
Fail to meet their lofty standards, even briefly, and nobody—not even the club's legendary figures—escapes the boos at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Gareth Bale notably suffered the anger of Madridistas throughout his tenure—despite netting spectacular goals in crucial moments—while Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo also encountered disapproval at different stages.
The current player facing consistent criticism is Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian, who nearly claimed the 2024 Ballon d'Or—so nearly that the club boycotted the event after Rodri's victory was revealed—can be mesmerizingly spectacular one instant and utterly exasperating the next, and unfortunately the latter has been evident throughout 2025–26.
He's been dealing with numerous challenges, frankly, especially regarding racist abuse from rival fans, but it's his own supporters who have been whistling at Vinicius Jr lately. The issue is, what's the reason?
When Did Real Madrid Fans Start Booing Vinicius Jr?
When Did Real Madrid Fans Start Booing Vinicius Jr?
Real Madrid supporters initially began whistling at Vinicius Jr on Dec. 20, 2025, expressing displeasure as he was withdrawn in the 83rd minute during a 2–0 triumph over Sevilla at the Bernabéu.
In the following home fixture, a 5–1 thrashing of Real Betis on Jan. 4, Vinicius Jr was once more jeered when substituted in the closing stages. Xabi Alonso, who was coach then and has since been dismissed and succeeded by Álvaro Arbeloa, supported him, characterizing his display against Betis as "an excellent performance."
Most recently, Vinicius Jr encountered boos before and throughout Madrid's 2–0 victory over Levante on Jan. 17. Multiple other players, including Jude Bellingham, also received criticism.
The fixture followed a 3–2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final and an early elimination from the Copa del Rey by Segunda División team Albacete.
Why Are Real Madrid Fans Booing Vinicius Jr?
Why Are Real Madrid Fans Booing Vinicius Jr?
While it's challenging to understand the thoughts of Madrid's famously exacting fans, it appears Vinicius Jr is receiving criticism because, by his own elevated standards, he's experiencing a tough campaign.
The Brazil star has managed only five La Liga strikes this season and hasn't found the net in 12 league matches—a goalless streak extending back to October.
Supporters appear to have grown irritated with his conduct on the pitch, including disputes with referees and antagonizing rivals, with club icon Toni Kroos acknowledging that the winger's "irritating" behavior is harming the squad.
Real Madrid currently occupy second place in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by just one point, and have secured their spot in the Champions League knockout rounds. Nevertheless, the defeat to Barça in the Spanish Super Cup final and premature Copa del Rey elimination have soured an otherwise decent campaign, clearly frustrating the fanbase.
Could Vinicius Jr Leave Real Madrid?
Could Vinicius Jr Leave Real Madrid?
Currently, Vinicius Jr's prospects at Real Madrid seem unclear.
After the 2–0 victory against Levante, the 25-year-old was reported by El Periódico and SPORT as declaring: "I won't compete where I'm not welcomed."
He appears to maintain support from coach Arbeloa, who mentioned following the game that he intends to motivate his team to supply Vinicius Jr more frequently to break down defenses, labeling him "among the finest players globally."
Although this hasn't been his most impressive campaign, one fact remains evident: Vinicius Jr continues to be an elite talent who wouldn't lack interested clubs if he truly considers departing.