Vinícius in trouble at Real Madrid: fans turned on the Brazilian and booed him off

Real Madrid kicked off 2026 in the best possible way with a 5–1 victory over Real Betis on matchday 18 of LaLiga. Gonzalo García was the standout performer for Xabi Alonso’s side, scoring a hat-trick after stepping in for the injured Kylian Mbappé, who was sidelined with a left knee injury. The result eased the pressure on the Spanish coach, whose position had been under scrutiny following a run of poor results. Beyond the three points — which keep Los Blancos four points behind FC Barcelona — the match also exposed a serious issue involving one of the team’s star players, Vinícius Jr., who once again came under criticism for his performance at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Although the start of the year could have been positive for the 25-year-old winger after a disappointing 2025 with both Real Madrid and the Brazil national team, the player stated his desire to mend fences with sections of the fanbase, saying, “May 2026 be an incredible year. Hala Madrid always! I love you all.” In doing so, he reaffirmed his determination to reestablish himself under Xabi Alonso — something he was unfortunately unable to achieve in the opening match against Real Betis.

As soon as Real Madrid’s starting XI was announced, sections of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd began to whistle at Vinícius Jr. when the stadium announcer called out the Brazilian’s name, a reminder that he still had unfinished business with the fanbase. Minutes after referee Hernández Hernández got the match underway, Vinícius became active down the left flank, attempting to break through the opposition’s defense in search of his first goal of 2026. Despite being involved in a controversial incident in which the referee waved away a penalty appeal in his favor, that proved to be his only positive moment, as he later produced a performance that failed to win over the supporters in the stands.

At the moment Real Betis scored, Vinícius was seen lacking the intensity needed to track back and stop the opposition’s attack in the build-up. The crowd did not overlook the fact that the move had started with a loss of possession by the Brazilian. In addition to his perceived lack of commitment, the winger was also involved in another sequence that nearly resulted in a 3–2 goal for the Seville-based side — a moment the fans would later recall when he was substituted.

It is also possible that the crowd’s reproach of Vinícius Júnior against Betis on Sunday was influenced by his recent form. The Brazilian winger has now gone 17 matches without scoring, with his last goal coming on October 4 against Villarreal, leaving him with just five goals in the first half of the season. A situation that has pleased neither his manager nor the fans who fill the Santiago Bernabéu every two weeks.

Vinícius’ next challenge — and his chance to turn around his poor run — will come against Atlético Madrid on Thursday, January 8, when the two sides meet in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals in Saudi Arabia. A high-profile clash against a top opponent that offers the Brazilian an ideal opportunity to redeem himself both personally and in the eyes of the fans.