BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Always at the center of things, Vinicius Junior has gone from hero to villain to many Real Madrid fans.
The Brazilian soccer star scored a crucial goal on their way to the Champions League title, leading them to the league title and coming within a whisker of winning the Ballon d’Or. fight racism Spanish soccer and everything by the age of 25.
But now many Madrid supporters have turned their backs on him.
The crowd at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium loudly jeered at him during Madrid’s last two home games. There were boos when his name was announced before kick-off and when he touched the ball during last weekend’s 2-0 win over Levante. Then boos erupted again at the start of the Champions League game against Monaco in midweek.
His strong performance against Monaco included one goal and three assists. appease the crowd to some extentthe jeers disappeared in the second half.
However, speculation continues that Saudi Arabia’s deep-pocketed league still wants Vinicius, and the coming months could be a make-or-break for the player, who is under contract until 2027.
Asked on Friday if he expected Vinicius and the club to agree on a new contract extension soon, manager Alvaro Arbeloa said he should not be involved.
“My job is to get the best out of the players and to ensure that Vinicius continues to create history at this club,” said the former Madrid defender, who took over the team earlier this month.
Fans blame Vinicius for Alonso fiasco
Many Madrid supporters point out that Vinicius is one of the main reasons why Xabi Alonso is highly rated. Lasted only half the season As the manager of Madrid.
Vinicius was reportedly not happy playing under the former Madrid midfielder, with Ancelotti replacing him more often than his predecessor Carlos Ancelotti, under whom Vinicius has grown. Vinicius apologized to madrid fans He said this on social media after publicly ranting about being substituted by Alonso against Barcelona in October.
The speedy forward is also considered to be responsible for Madrid’s embarrassing loss to the second division in the Copa del Rey in Arbeloa’s debut.
Other players, including Jude Bellingham, were also heckled, but Vinicius bore the brunt of the fans’ frustration.
Created by Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé passionate defense Speaking about Vinicius before the game against Monaco, he asked fans not to focus their anger on him.
“Vini is a human being,” Mbappe said. “It’s normal to be affected when people say negative things about you. Sometimes it’s fair, sometimes it’s not. Vini is a great player. He’s an unbelievable guy. … We have to protect him better as a team so we don’t get into a situation where he’s lonely against everyone.”
Mbappe spoke after images surfaced of the French striker appearing to console Vinicius, who was clutching his head as he heard the Bernabeu crowd whistle as his name was announced before the game against Levante.
Rapid rise
Vinicius arrived in Madrid at the age of 18 as a raw talent on a transfer from Brazilian club Flamengo. He quickly impressed Madrid fans with his dribbling speed, but his mediocre finishing touch made it questionable whether he could make it as an elite player.
Ancelotti’s return to manage Madrid in 2021 coincided with Vinicius’ breakthrough to become one of the game’s top forwards. Now he was ending a number of scoring chances he had created with his lightning speed on Madrid’s left flank.
He scored the only goal in the 2022 Champions League Final match against Liverpool. he also scored a goal 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund The 2024 final will mark the 15th time a white team has won the European Cup.
racist attack
While Vinicius grew to become one of the game’s biggest stars, he also became one of Spain’s leading voices against racism. Are repeatedly targeted with racist slurs By opposing fans during away games.
He called on La Liga officials to do more to stop abusive behavior and won praise for not backing down from the ridicule of fans.
However, just months after winning the Champions League for the second time, Vinicius’ performance level has declined as he falls short of winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024. Madrid felt the player was upset when he came second behind Manchester City midfielder Rodri. I canceled my plans to attend the award ceremony..
He also had a reputation as a player who scolded and badmouthed opposing players, sometimes to the point of losing focus on the game, and his behavior sometimes tested the patience of the staff.
The challenge to the World Cup begins now
Whatever happens at Madrid this season, the biggest day on the calendar for Vinicius is the start of the North American World Cup.
He will be under pressure to lead a Brazilian team under manager Ancelotti who have high hopes for the country’s sixth title.
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