Real Madrid has publicly voiced support for Vinicius Junior after he was booed by home fans at the Bernabeu following a period of poor form and ongoing contract disputes.
Real Madrid’s victory over Sevilla on Saturday was marred by a surprising rift between Vinicius Junior and the home supporters.
As the 24-year-old was substituted in the second half, loud jeers erupted from the Santiago Bernabeu stands.
The Brazilian forward did not verbally react on the pitch, but he signaled his frustration on social media by changing his profile picture to a Brazil jersey and posting match photos with the cryptic caption: “…”.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of simmering tensions regarding stalled contract negotiations and a dip in the player’s on-field form.
Despite the friction with the hierarchy, the club has opted to support their star publicly.
Reports indicate that “Real Madrid are on Vinicius’ side,” even as senior officials remain privately “concerned about his situation” and his struggle to recapture the elite level of performance he displayed during the previous season.
The upcoming winter break provides a timely reprieve for Vinicius before Real Madrid returns to action against Real Betis on January 4th.
Having previously demonstrated the “mental strength to bounce back from this,” the forward is expected to use the time away to reset.
The club remains hopeful that his next appearance at the Bernabeu will be met with “more cheers and celebrations” as they