Vinícius Júnior Targeted at the Bernabéu as Future Doubts Emerge
A hostile afternoon at the Bernabéu may have changed everything. Vinícius Júnior felt the message and began to look ahead.
The Bernabéu Turns on Vinícius
The Santiago Bernabéu witnessed one of its most uncomfortable afternoons in recent memory. Amid Real Madrid’s growing sporting turmoil, the spotlight fell squarely on Vinícius Júnior, who became the main target of fan frustration alongside club president Florentino Pérez.
The numbers told the story. When Vinícius’ name was announced over the loudspeakers during the lineup presentation, the noise reached 83 decibels, the loudest reaction among the home starters. It even surpassed the boos aimed at Jude Bellingham, who was also met with heavy disapproval.
Albacete, the Issue Vinícius Cannot Accept
Vinícius struggles to understand why he has been singled out for the Copa del Rey elimination in Albacete. Those close to the Brazilian point to a key detail: he was one of the few senior players who traveled and played at the Carlos Belmonte, while other high-profile teammates stayed away.
Neither Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappé, Bellingham, nor Rodrygo featured in that match. Vinícius accepts his own poor performance but insists he did not hide. That sentiment was echoed, at least initially, by Álvaro Arbeloa, who later clarified his comments: “Vinícius wanted to be here and play every minute to help the team.”
An Emotional Player, Hurt by His Own Fans
That point matters deeply to Vinícius. “I wanted to be there,” he insists. What hurts most is feeling rejected by the Madrid fanbase. After the match against Levante, in which he played the full 90 minutes, the Brazilian left the pitch immediately, heading straight down the tunnel without acknowledging the crowd.
The forward from São Gonçalo is an emotional player, and he feels his past contributions are being ignored. In his mind, he has given everything to Real Madrid, including decisive goals in the Champions League, and cannot understand being portrayed as the main culprit for the club’s current struggles.
A Renewal That Has Become a Flashpoint
Contract talks have only intensified the tension. Vinícius’ renewal has become a priority for Florentino Pérez, whose recent decisions have placed the club under intense scrutiny. While the president publicly backed the Brazilian, even ahead of Xabi Alonso, Vinícius raised his demands.
He wants a salary and status comparable to Mbappé and feels the club has not fully recognized what he has earned on the pitch. Against Levante, that frustration spilled into the stands, as he was whistled nearly every time he touched the ball, a moment that tested his patience to the limit.
Internal Friction and a Growing Rift
The breakdown with the fans did not happen overnight. It follows recent flashpoints, including his visible frustration toward Xabi Alonso after being substituted against Barcelona at the Bernabéu and a subsequent statement apologizing to everyone except the coach. Earlier, there had already been tension in the United States after being benched against PSG at the Club World Cup.
He was not alone. Fede Valverde voiced concerns publicly, and Bellingham did so privately, questioning coaching decisions before October 26. Still, Vinícius ultimately bore the brunt of the backlash.
Arbeloa Defends Him — But Not Enough
In his post-match comments, Álvaro Arbeloa stood by the Brazilian: “He isn’t being booed by everyone. We want the best version of Vinícius. He’s given us Champions League titles and carried this team at a young age. He’s one of us and will be for a long time.”
Yet even that defense rang hollow for Vinícius. Arbeloa highlighted his recent performances but, in the player’s view, failed to emphasize his commitment in traveling to Albacete when others chose not to.
A Decision Now on the Table
What happened against Levante has already had consequences. According to El Periódico, Vinícius Júnior has informed those close to him that he wants to leave Real Madrid.
“I don’t want to play where I’m not wanted,” the Brazilian is said to have told his inner circle, deeply affected by what he experienced at the Bernabéu on Saturday, January 17. A day that will be remembered not for the football, but as the moment the bond between Vinícius and a section of the Madrid faithful finally snapped.
