Why Real Madrid supporters keep booing Vinicius
At Real Madrid, elite talent does not guarantee unconditional support. The club’s history shows that even its brightest stars can find themselves under scrutiny when results dip. Vinicius Junior is the latest to experience that reality.
Despite his importance on the pitch, the Brazilian winger remains a polarising figure at the Bernabeu, where expectation is relentless and emotional tolerance is limited.
A celebration aimed at the stands
That tension was visible again during Real Madrid’s 2–1 win over Rayo Vallecano. Vinicius opened the scoring, then made a point of kissing the club badge repeatedly, lifting his arms and urging the crowd to respond.
As the match continued, he turned toward the ultras several times, seeking engagement. BBC Sport reported that the gestures appeared deliberate, coming amid questions about his commitment and standing with supporters.
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Even after scoring, whistles could still be heard from sections of the stadium a reminder that individual moments rarely erase broader frustration.
Frustration looking for a target
Real Madrid’s season has provided plenty of reasons for discontent. The club have been knocked out of the Copa del Rey by second-division opposition, failed to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout stage, and currently sit behind Barcelona in La Liga.
In that climate, scrutiny often narrows onto individual players. Vinicius has become one of the most visible targets. His goal against Rayo was his first league strike since early October, and while his eight goals across all competitions make him Real Madrid’s second-highest scorer, the contrast with Kylian Mbappe’s 37 has shaped perceptions of his form.
BBC Sport analysis has noted that supporters tend to direct anger toward players they expect to carry the team, particularly when those players are seen as distant from the club’s traditional identity. Vinicius’ emotional reactions, confrontations and visible frustration on the pitch have reinforced that image for some fans.
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Racism and resistance
Vinicius’ situation cannot be separated from the racist abuse he has faced in Spain. He has been repeatedly targeted, with several cases resulting in suspended prison sentences in 2022 and jail terms for Valencia supporters in 2023, according to court rulings at the time.
Rather than remain silent, Vinicius has confronted the issue publicly. In 2024, he said: “I'm not a victim of racism I am a tormentor of racists.” That stance has been widely supported internationally but has unsettled parts of the domestic football audience that prefer players to remain detached from social issues.
Spanish football has long struggled with how activism fits within the game, and Vinicius’ refusal to separate performance from protest has added another layer to his relationship with supporters particularly at the Bernabeu, where emotional volatility is rarely embraced.
Contract uncertainty and loyalty questions
Doubts over Vinicius’ future have further strained relations. His current contract runs until 2027, and although Real Madrid prepared an extension last year, an agreement has yet to be finalised.
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At a club where long-term commitment is often equated with loyalty to the badge, hesitation is closely examined. Those familiar with the situation have indicated that renewal remains the most likely outcome, but ongoing hostility from the stands inevitably complicates the picture.
As BBC Sport analysis has suggested, there comes a point where even elite players begin to question their place when acceptance feels conditional.
Playing through the tension
For now, Vinicius continues to play through the noise scoring, celebrating emphatically and responding to criticism rather than ignoring it.
At Real Madrid, that approach has always carried risk. History shows it can shape a player’s legacy as much as their football.
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Sources: BBC Sport
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