Vinicius Junior and the Bernabéu Storm: Real Madrid’s Crisis Before Monaco

From Ballon d’Or Candidate to Target of Boos

Two years ago, Vinicius Junior was hailed as one of the brightest stars in world football, a near Ballon d’Or contender after guiding Real Madrid to Champions League glory. Today, he finds himself at the center of a storm. On Saturday, the Bernabéu erupted in boos, with the Brazilian singled out alongside Jude Bellingham as frustration boiled over.

A Week of Turmoil for Real Madrid

The tension surrounding Vinicius reflects a wider crisis engulfing Real Madrid. In just 72 hours, the club lost the Super Cup final to Barcelona, replaced Xabi Alonso with Álvaro Arbeloa, and suffered a humiliating Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Albacete. The fallout has left fans restless, waving white handkerchiefs and calling for Florentino Pérez to step down.

Vinicius Under Pressure

Footage from the Levante match showed Vinicius sitting in the tunnel, head in hands, visibly shaken by the hostility. Every touch of the ball was met with whistles. Once celebrated for his flair, he is now accused of being a catalyst for Alonso’s dismissal, his performances far from the level that once made him indispensable.

With only five league goals and none in the Champions League this season, his request for a salary increase has further strained relations. His contract runs until 2027, but negotiations for an extension have become a flashpoint in Madrid’s tense atmosphere.

Arbeloa and Mbappé Rally Behind Him

Álvaro Arbeloa, now tasked with steadying the ship, defended his player. “The booing weakens the team. My hope is that the Bernabéu supports all its players, especially Vinicius Jr. He gave us two magical Champions League titles.”

Kylian Mbappé, Madrid’s top scorer this season, echoed the sentiment. “It’s not Vinicius’ fault if we’re not playing the way we should. It’s the fault of the whole squad. He’s a great player and an incredible guy.”

Searching for Redemption Against Monaco

Despite the criticism, Vinicius played the full 90 minutes in Madrid’s 2-0 win over Levante, leaving the pitch quickly at the final whistle. Hours later, he posted a smiling photo on Instagram celebrating his 350th game for the club, accompanied by a heart emoji, a subtle reminder of his bond with Madrid despite the noise.

Now, all eyes turn to Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Monaco. The French side are in crisis themselves, losing seven of their last eight Ligue 1 matches. For Vinicius, it is a chance to silence the boos, reconnect with the fans, and help Real Madrid secure a top-eight finish that guarantees direct entry into the round of 16.

Conclusion

Vinicius Junior’s story is no longer just about goals and dribbles. It is about resilience, reputation, and redemption. Real Madrid’s crisis has made him the symbol of frustration, but it has also given him the opportunity to lead the turnaround. Against Monaco, the Brazilian has the chance to remind the Bernabéu why he was once seen as a Ballon d’Or contender—and why he still matters to Los Blancos’ future.