Kylian Mbappe Defends Vinicius Jr, Bellingham After Fans Boos

Kylian Mbappe has come out to defend Real Madrid team-mates Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham from the brutal boos that have come their way.

Real Madrid got back to winning ways on Saturday when they defeated Levante 2-0 at Santiago Bernbeu. However, the victory was marred by some section of the fans jeering the likes of Vinicius Jr and Bellingham.

Vinicius, Bellingham and Fede Valverde are among those who are said to have butted heads with Xabi Alonso before he was dismissed.

Mbappe was spared abuse from the stands, as he continued his return from injury, but can appreciate why fans are feeling frustrated. However, he is of the opinion that everybody should be given the same treatment if there are any grievances to iron out.

Mbappe celebrates scoring a goal with teammate Vinicius Junior. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Speaking to reporters ahead of a Champions League reunion with his former employers at Monaco on Tuesday, Mbappe said: “The whistling… I think I understand it. I get it. Before I was a footballer, I was a young man, and when I wasn’t happy, I’d talk badly about the players, and if I was at the stadium, I’d whistle. I understand it because we’re not doing things right.

“What I didn’t like was that if they’re going to whistle, it should be the whole squad. You shouldn’t single out one player. We’re doing poorly as a team, and we have the character to change this on the pitch. I don’t see the Real Madrid fans as being against us. They’re angry, and I’m sure they’ll come back to support us.”

Mbappe went on to say of Brazilian winger Vinicius being singled out across Real’s last three home games: “Of course, it’s not Vini’s fault. It’s the fault of the entire squad. That’s all I have to say to the fans. Let them boo the whole team. We have to accept it, it’s our job. We know that. But we can’t single out a few and say it’s their fault. It’s everyone’s fault. At Real Madrid, there are moments like this, and we have to change that.

“I’m not Vini. If you want, I’ll find him. I don’t have to give advice. I’m nobody to give advice. My only responsibility is to take care of him, to protect him… When he’s happy, it’s different.”

Mbappe added on Vinicius getting emotional amid taunts from the crowd: “Vini, like you, like her, like everyone. He’s a human being. He’s a fantastic player. He’s an incredible guy, I’m lucky to know him and I’m very fond of him. We have to protect him better. So he’s not alone against everyone. He’s not alone at Real Madrid. We’re all with him. If he’s at his best, he’s one of the best in the world.”

Real Madrid will be eager to put in a dominant display against Monaco on Tuesday. The Spanish side are currently placed seventh in the Champions League table with just two games left to play.