Mbappe slams Real Madrid fans over Vinicius jeers
Kylian Mbappe urged Real Madrid's supporters not to single out Vinicius Junior after he was jeered at the Santiago Bernabeu, saying disgruntled fans should take out their anger on the whole team.
Alvaro Arbeloa's first game in charge of Madrid in LaLiga was a 2-0 home win over Levante, with Mbappe and Raul Asencio scoring in the second half.
That victory did little to placate Madrid's furious supporters, after they watched their team knocked out of the Copa del Rey by second-tier Albacete three days earlier.
Boos rang out at the Bernabeu throughout Sunday's match, with Vinicius's name attracting particular derision when the starting line-ups were announced.
Madrid is at home again on Wednesday, as it takes on Monaco in its penultimate league-stage fixture in the Champions League, and Mbappe does not want to hear his team-mate receive more of the same treatment.
"I understand the fans because we're not doing things right," he said. "What I didn't like was that if they boo, they should boo the whole team. You shouldn't single out one player. It's not Vini's fault that we're playing the way we are now.
"That's all I have to say... don't go after one player. It's our collective fault, and we have the character to change that on the pitch.
"Vini, like you, like everyone else, he's a human being. He's an unbelievable talent, a great guy, and I'm fortunate to know him.
"We all need to protect him better. He's not alone at Real Madrid, and we're all with him. When he's at his best, he's one of the best players in the world.
"My job is to support him, look after him. When he's happy, he's a difference-maker, and that should be our collective focus."
Mbappe has been directly involved in 15 goals in 14 appearances against his former side Monaco, only amassing more combined goals and assists against Montpellier and Lille in his career.
He also leads all players in the Champions League for goals (nine), goal involvements (nine), and chances created (20) this season, while Vinicius has not scored in six appearances in the 2025-2026 edition.
Arbeloa also leapt to Vinicius's defence.
"This is a guy who has been writing his story at Real Madrid for many years," he said. "He's given us two Champions League titles and many magical nights.
"He needs the Bernabeu to bring out his best. He has a huge heart, he's very emotional, and his football reflects that.
"He loves this badge and the fans; he wants them on his side. As a coach, I would love to see a Bernabeu that stands behind its players."
Asked if there was any chance of Vinicius being taken out of the firing line, the former full-back said: "Perhaps I haven't been clear enough.
"Vinicius will be on the pitch as long as he's available and performing at his best. He's an extraordinary, fantastic player, and I want him to have the ball at his feet as much as possible because he's so unpredictable.
"If I want to have a chance at winning titles, I need Vinicius on the pitch, not off it."
