Vinicius Junior's Celebrations and Fan Reactions

When Vinicius Junior scored the opening goal in Real Madrid's 2–1 victory over Rayo Vallecano, his celebration was notably significant. He ran towards the crowd, repeatedly kissed the Real Madrid badge on his shirt, then raised his arms, urging supporters to increase the noise inside the stadium. Throughout the match, he engaged with the stands, directing his calls for support especially towards the ultras, who set the atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu.

This appeared to be an intentional celebration, a moment for Vinicius to reaffirm his loyalty to a fan base that has not always reciprocated it. In recent months, he has been the player most frequently targeted by sections of the Bernabeu crowd with boos, and he again faced hostile whistles on Sunday.

Why Does Vinicius Continue to Divide Real Madrid Fans?

Despite scoring another crucial goal, Vinicius remains a polarizing figure among Real Madrid supporters. The club's current struggles have contributed to this division.

Real Madrid have faced a series of disappointments: elimination from the Copa del Rey by a second division side, failure to secure an automatic place in the Champions League last 16 requiring them to go through play-offs, and currently sitting below Barcelona in La Liga standings. On Sunday, they struggled to secure a win against Rayo Vallecano, who are 17th in La Liga, and the club is already on its second manager of the season.

Amid these difficulties, fans are searching for someone to blame, and Vinicius has become that figure.

Performance and Expectations

Vinicius's performance statistics this season have been under scrutiny. The goal against Rayo Vallecano was his first in La Liga since 4 October. Overall, he has contributed eight goals in all competitions, making him Real Madrid's second-highest scorer this season. However, when compared to Kylian Mbappe's 37 goals, the difference is stark, and expectations for Vinicius to produce more remain high.

Fan Perceptions and Behaviour

columnist Guillem Balague explains that Real Madrid fans direct their frustration towards the player they expect to help them win, as well as the player they perceive as least aligned with the traditional values of a Real Madrid player.

"Vinicius feels very foreign to many fans," Balague says. "His reactions on the pitch, his behaviour, his public disagreements with former manager Xabi Alonso, his perceived lack of respect on the bench during the cup defeat by Albacete - they all give fuel to fans.

"Changing the photo in his Instagram profile from a Real one to a Brazil one after being whistled at the Bernabeu, and even pointing out those who do not respect the colour of his skin, are seen as creating unnecessary conflict by some fans.

"Vinicius provokes and is arrogant, but he doesn't get the neutral reading that others get.

"That constant suspicion must be exhausting, and it explains some of the volatility. The Bernabeu does not appreciate volatility. It's a Catch 22."

Racism and Its Impact

Vinicius's scrutiny may also be intensified by racist undertones present among some Spanish football fans. He has been the target of multiple racist attacks during his time at Real Madrid.

In May, five individuals received suspended prison sentences for racially abusing Vinicius during a 2022 match against Real Valladolid. In 2024, Vinicius stated,

"I'm not a victim of racism - I am a tormentor of racists"

after three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for abusing him in 2023.

On Sunday, Vinicius received a yellow card—his fifth of this La Liga season—resulting in a suspension for Real Madrid's upcoming match against Valencia. Some Valencia fans alleged on social media that Vinicius deliberately received the yellow card to avoid playing at the Mestalla stadium.

Balague comments on this situation:

"Vinicius was feared by rivals and got whistled everywhere. He decided to face the critics and even fight them from a distance.

"Racist abuse showed its ugly face because in Spain many people wrongly feel that in football everything is allowed.

"Vinicius denounced and fought racism with not enough backing from the media, other players or football in general and, at the start, La Liga. Now La Liga has become the vanguard of that fight.

"There are plenty at the Bernabeu and everywhere else who feel players shouldn't fight injustice, racism, discrimination. They want them to be only players.

"Vinicius, who has lived with discrimination since he was born, will not accept that.

"When you leave the house with the deep feeling that you do not fit, sometimes ...