Kylian Mbappé has called on Real Madrid supporters to stop singling out Vinícius Júnior, insisting responsibility for the club’s uneven form lies with the entire squad rather than any one individual.

Speaking ahead of Real’s Champions League home clash with Monaco on Tuesday, the France captain urged unity after tensions at the Santiago Bernabéu boiled over during Saturday’s 2-0 LaLiga win against Levante.

“I understand the fans because we’re not doing things right,” Mbappé said at a press conference on Monday. “But what I didn’t like was that if there are boos, they should be for the whole team. You shouldn’t target one player. It’s not Vini’s fault that we’re playing the way we are.

“This is a collective issue. We all share the responsibility, and we have the character to change things on the pitch.”

Despite the victory over Levante, which moved second-placed Real Madrid to within a point of leaders Barcelona following their defeat at Real Sociedad, frustration among supporters was clearly visible. Several players were subjected to criticism, with Vinícius particularly targeted and loudly booed during the announcement of the starting line-up.

The reaction came amid a turbulent period for the 14-time European champions. A heavy defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final and a shock Copa del Rey exit to second-division Albacete have left fans disillusioned, with patience wearing thin.

Alonso dismissal deepens unrest

The recent dismissal of head coach Xabi Alonso, just seven months into his tenure, has further heightened the sense of instability around the club. Reports of internal tensions, including disagreements between Alonso and Vinícius, have added to the perception of a fractured dressing room.

Saturday’s scenes underlined that strain. Television footage showed an emotional Vinícius sitting on the steps leading to the pitch after hearing the boos, while Mbappé was seen offering words of comfort to the 23-year-old winger before kick-off.

Mbappé stressed the importance of protecting his teammate and creating a supportive environment.

“Vini, like everyone else, is a human being,” Mbappé said. “He’s an unbelievable talent and a great person. I’m lucky to know him. We need to protect him better. He’s not alone at Real Madrid — we’re all with him.

“When he’s at his best, he’s one of the best players in the world. My job is to support him, to look after him. When he’s happy, he makes the difference, and that should be our collective focus.”

While the win over Levante secured three valuable points, the tense atmosphere at the Bernabéu highlighted the lingering impact of recent setbacks. Even with Barcelona slipping up, Madrid fans remain demanding, eager to see a clear response on the pitch.

Real now have the chance to steady the ship in Europe, with Tuesday’s match against Monaco offering an opportunity to move closer to the Champions League last 16 — and perhaps to restore both confidence within the squad and unity in the stands.