Vinícius Jr: Booed by Some, Loved by Others at Real Madrid

Booed by Some, Loved by Others – Why Vinícius Jr. Divides Real Madrid Fans

Vinícius Júnior scored a vital opener in Real Madrid’s 2–1 win over Rayo Vallecano, yet his passionate badge-kissing celebration wasn’t just about the goal. It was a message — one directed at a home crowd that continues to jeer him.

The Bernabéu has never been an easy place to win affection. But how has one of Real’s most gifted talents become such a polarizing figure?

Blame Game: The Face of Frustration

With Real underperforming in key competitions — dumped from the Copa del Rey by a second-tier side, struggling in the Champions League, and trailing Barcelona in La Liga — fans want accountability.

And Vinícius has become an easy target.

His numbers are down by elite standards: just 8 goals in all competitions, well behind Kylian Mbappé’s 37. For a forward expected to carry the load, that gap fuels criticism.

“He Feels Foreign to Many Fans”

Spanish football expert Guillem Balagué suggests the tension runs deeper than form.

“Vinícius feels very foreign to many fans. His reactions, confrontations with former boss Xabi Alonso, and even public gestures — like changing his Instagram photo from Real to Brazil — feed the perception that he’s not one of them.”

“He provokes. He’s confident, sometimes brash. But that shouldn’t be seen so negatively. He just doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt.”

Racial Undertones and a Reluctance to Conform

Vinícius has been racially abused more than once in Spain. Despite receiving some institutional support recently, the burden of leading the fight has often fallen on his shoulders.

“I am not a victim — I torment racists,” he declared in 2024 after Valencia fans were sentenced for racist chants.

But not all fans appreciated his activism. Some see it as unnecessary distraction — an attitude rooted in the outdated belief that players should “stick to football.”

A Contract Cloud Hanging Over

Vinícius has yet to sign a new deal despite Real reportedly preparing it months ago. Some fans interpret the delay as a lack of loyalty, especially at a time when the club needs unity.

Though manager Álvaro Arbeloa has expressed his desire to keep him, the forward’s silence fuels speculation.

“Why stay where you’re not fully wanted?” Balagué asks.

A Divided Bernabéu

Not everyone is against him. Many fans still see Vinícius as a generational talent and symbol of hope for the future.

But for now, he walks a tightrope — caught between brilliance and backlash, loyalty and doubt, identity and expectation.