“We Have to Protect Him Better” – Kylian Mbappé Defends Vinícius Jr and Jude Bellingham After Brutal Bernabéu Boos

Mbappé Speaks Out as Real Madrid Stars Face the Wrath of the Bernabéu

The Santiago Bernabéu can be a temple of football, but it can also be one of the most unforgiving arenas in the sport. On nights when frustration boils over, the same crowd that once lifted players onto pedestals can just as quickly tear them down. That harsh reality was felt once again during Real Madrid’s recent La Liga clash with Levante, when sections of the home support turned on their own players with loud, relentless boos.

In the aftermath, it was Kylian Mbappé who stepped forward to calm the storm. The French superstar did not hide from the criticism aimed at the team, but he made one thing very clear: singling out individuals like Vinícius Junior and Jude Bellingham is unfair, unhelpful, and damaging. His words were measured, emotional, and unmistakably protective.

At a club like Real Madrid, pressure is constant. But according to Mbappé, there are moments when unity matters more than outrage.

Vinicius Junior Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 2025-26

Xabi Alonso’s Short and Turbulent Reign

The tension inside the Bernabéu did not appear overnight. It has been simmering for weeks, fueled by inconsistent performances, internal disagreements, and ultimately the shock dismissal of club legend Xabi Alonso.

Alonso’s return to Madrid in the summer of 2025 was greeted with optimism and nostalgia. A former midfield general, a Champions League winner, and a man deeply associated with the club’s identity, he seemed like the perfect figure to guide a new generation of Galácticos. Instead, his tenure lasted just seven months.

Behind the scenes, reports suggest that Alonso clashed with several senior players. Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde were all named as figures who did not always see eye to eye with a coach unwilling to bend to superstar demands. In Madrid, such stories travel fast — and fans rarely wait for full context before making judgments.

By the time Levante arrived at the Bernabéu, the atmosphere was already fragile.

Boos Ring Out Despite Victory

Real Madrid won the match 2-0. On paper, it was a solid result that kept them within a single point of Barcelona at the top of La Liga. In reality, it felt hollow.

Throughout the game, whistles echoed around the stadium whenever Vinícius Jr touched the ball. Jude Bellingham, once adored almost unconditionally, was not spared either. Every misplaced pass, every moment of hesitation was met with audible frustration from the stands.

Mbappé, still easing his way back after injury, was largely spared the abuse. But he watched closely, and he listened. And after the final whistle, he decided silence was not an option.

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Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Monaco, Mbappé offered an unusually candid reflection on the situation. His tone was calm, but his message was firm.

“The whistling… I think I understand it,” he said. “Before I was a footballer, I was a young man. When I wasn’t happy, I talked badly about the players, and if I was at the stadium, I’d whistle. I understand it because we’re not doing things right.”

It was a rare moment of empathy with the supporters. Mbappé did not dismiss their frustration or label it unfair. Instead, he acknowledged it as part of football culture, especially at a club where excellence is not optional.

But then came the line that mattered most.

“What I didn’t like was that if they’re going to whistle, it should be the whole squad. You shouldn’t single out one player.”

“It’s Not Vinícius’ Fault – It’s Everyone’s”

Vinícius Jr has been the main target of the Bernabéu’s anger in recent home games, and Mbappé was particularly vocal in his defence of the Brazilian winger.

“Of course, it’s not Vini’s fault,” he said. “It’s the fault of the entire squad. Let them boo the whole team. We have to accept it, it’s our job. But we can’t single out a few and say it’s their fault. It’s everyone’s fault.”

For Mbappé, this was not about shielding a friend from criticism. It was about collective responsibility — a principle he believes is essential at Real Madrid.

“At this club, there are moments like this,” he added. “And we have to change that. Together.”

Vinícius Jr, the Human Behind the Superstar

Perhaps the most striking part of Mbappé’s comments came when he spoke about Vinícius not as a footballer, but as a person.

“Vini is a human being,” he said. “Like you, like her, like everyone. He’s a fantastic player, an incredible guy. I’m lucky to know him, and I’m very fond of him.”

Mbappé acknowledged that the winger has been visibly emotional in recent weeks, affected by the constant scrutiny and terrace taunts.

“We have to protect him better,” he insisted. “So he’s not alone against everyone. He’s not alone at Real Madrid. We’re all with him.”

It was a powerful statement in a dressing room often accused of being driven by egos rather than empathy.

“When he’s happy,” Mbappé concluded, “he’s one of the best players in the world.”

Jude Bellingham: From Golden Boy to Target

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Vinícius is not the only star feeling the shift in mood. Jude Bellingham, once treated as Madrid’s untouchable golden boy, has also felt the Bernabéu turn.

Mbappé was quick to shut down any doubts about the England international’s quality.

“No one doubts Bellingham’s ability,” he said. “He has so much potential. When he’s fit, he’s one of the best in the world.”

But even superstars are not immune when results falter.

“It’s tough, for everyone,” Mbappé admitted. “We can accept that the fans aren’t happy. But again, it’s not about Jude’s fault or one player in particular. It’s our job to change the situation.”

Champions League Pressure Adds to the Drama

The timing of this unrest could hardly be worse. Real Madrid currently sit seventh in the Champions League table, with just two games remaining to secure a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the last 16.

Their upcoming clash with Monaco will take place in the same Bernabéu that has recently turned hostile — a reminder that European nights do not always guarantee unity.

Mbappé knows what is at stake.

“We won in the league,” he said, “and now we have to keep going in the Champions League. If the fans see that we’re putting in the effort, that we’re playing well, they’ll be back with us.”

A Club at a Crossroads After Alonso’s Exit

In the wake of Xabi Alonso’s sudden dismissal, Álvaro Arbeloa has stepped in as interim manager. Stability is fragile. Confidence is shaken. And the relationship between players and supporters feels strained.

In moments like this, voices inside the dressing room matter. Mbappé’s defence of Vinícius Jr and Jude Bellingham was not just about protecting teammates — it was about reminding everyone what Real Madrid represents.

Unity. Responsibility. And the understanding that success, like failure, belongs to everyone.

The Bernabéu may continue to whistle. Results may continue to fluctuate. But if Mbappé’s words carry weight, one thing is clear: inside the dressing room, the stars are standing together.

And at Real Madrid, that might be the most important step toward turning the noise back into applause.