Kylian Mbappé understands Real Madrid fans’ boos, but asks that no one player be targeted
The forward addressed the situation the team experienced at the Santiago Bernabéu and spoke about what happened with Vinícius Jr.
Real Madrid is preparing for a "do-or-die" Matchday 7 in the UEFA Champions League, as Álvaro Arbeloa’s squad welcomes AS Monaco to the Santiago Bernabéu this Tuesday, January 20, 2026. With a direct ticket to the Round of 16 on the line, the "Merengues" are walking into a lion's den—not because of their opponents, but because of their own fans.
The atmosphere in Madrid is toxic. Following the shocking dismissal of Xabi Alonso just last week and back-to-back exits from the Supercopa de España and the Copa del Rey, the Bernabéu faithful reached their limit during the recent La Liga clash against Levante. The primary target of the supporters' ire was Vinícius Jr., who was relentlessly whistled throughout the game.
In a display of true leadership, Kylian Mbappé took to the microphones to defend his teammate and call for a truce, or at least a shift in the fans' target.
The Defense of a Brother: "Vini is Not Alone"
Mbappé did not mince words when addressing the toxicity directed at the Brazilian star. He urged the Madridistas to stop singling out one player for a collective failure.
"Vini is a human being, just like you or me. He is a great player and an incredible guy; I am lucky to know him and I have a lot of affection for him," Mbappé stated. "We have to protect him better so he isn't alone against the crowd. He is not alone at Madrid. We are all with him. If he is at his best, he is one of the best in the world."
The Frenchman was adamant that the blame for the recent string of losses belongs to the entire locker room:
- Collective Guilt: "It's not Vini's fault; it's the fault of the whole squad."
- The Request: "Whistle the whole team. We have to accept it; it’s our job. But don't pick one to say it's his fault. It belongs to everyone."
Understanding the "Madridista" Anger
Despite his plea for unity, the 27-year-old superstar admitted he understands why the fans are furious. Having been a fan himself before becoming a professional, Mbappé acknowledged that a club of Real Madrid's magnitude cannot afford the results they have produced in the first weeks of 2026.
"I think I understand the whistles. Before being a footballer, I was a young fan, and when I wasn't happy, I spoke badly about players and whistled from the stands. I get it because we aren't doing things right," Mbappé confessed. However, he remained optimistic: "I don't see the fans as being against us; they are just angry, and I am sure they will come back to support us when we change this on the pitch."
The Emotional Return: Facing Monaco
The match against AS Monaco holds a special place in Mbappé’s heart. It was at the Principality club where a teenage Mbappé first exploded onto the world stage during the 2016-17 season.
"It was magnificent; I was able to fulfill many dreams there. I wouldn’t be here today at Real Madrid if it weren't for Monaco. I learned so much. They gave me everything to become a professional, and I will never forget it," the striker remarked.
Match Details: The Stakes for Arbeloa
Tuesday’s match is more than just three points; it is Álvaro Arbeloa’s first major European test as the permanent head coach. A victory would secure Real Madrid's direct entry into the Round of 16, avoiding the treacherous playoff round of the new Champions League format.
If Madrid fails to beat Monaco, the pressure on the board and the "Arbeloa Project" might reach an irreversible breaking point. For Mbappé and Vini Jr., the only way to silence the whistles is with goals and a ticket to the next round.
