Kylian Mbappe has spoken out after a tense atmosphere overshadowed Real Madrid’s 2-0 home victory over Levante, with whistles raining down from the Santiago Bernabeu stands despite the three points secured.
While Los Blancos got the job done on the pitch, the post-match conversation quickly shifted to the supporters’ reaction, which targeted several players and even club president Florentino Perez.
Ahead of Madrid’s crucial Champions League encounter with AS Monaco, the French forward addressed the situation head-on, striking a balance between understanding the fans’ frustration and urging fairness and unity within the squad.
Mbappe made it clear that he accepts criticism as part of life at the club, but questioned the idea of singling out individuals.
“The whistling… I think I understand it,” he said. “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.”
Much of the spotlight has fallen on Vinicius Junior, who has been whistled in each of Madrid’s last three home games.
The 27-year-old was quick to defend his teammate, insisting the Brazilian should not carry the weight of the team’s struggles alone.
“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.”
Asked about offering advice to Vini after emotional scenes in the tunnel, the former Paris Saint-Germain forward again shifted the focus to solidarity rather than instruction.
“I’m not Vini (laughs). If you want, I’ll find him (laughs). 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.
“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.”
He added: “No one doubts Bellingham’s quality. He has so much potential. When he’s fit, he’s one of the best in the world. It’s tough, for everyone. We can accept that the fans aren’t happy.
“But they should boo everyone, it’s not about Jude’s fault or one player in particular. It’s our job to change the situation. We won in the league and now we have to keep going in the Champions League.
“If the fans see that we’re putting in the effort, that we’re playing well, they’ll be back with us.”
As the season reaches a defining stretch, Real Madrid sit seventh in the Champions League table, clinging to a top-eight spot on goal difference with two matches remaining.
Domestically, they are just three points behind second-placed Bayern Munich, leaving little margin for error.
For the Frenchman, the message is clear: results, effort and unity on the pitch are the only answers and if criticism comes, it should be shared by all.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
