Brazilian bewilderment at Bernabéu boos for Vinicius: 'Would never happen at home'
Brazilian media and pundits express shock at Real Madrid fans' treatment of Vinicius Jr, claiming such sustained criticism of a star player would be unthinkable in Brazil.
Real Madrid’s faithful have turned on their Brazilian star Vinicius Jr in recent home fixtures, leaving observers in his homeland utterly baffled by the treatment of their golden boy.
Harsh reception at the Bernabéu
Vinicius has faced the wrath of the Bernabéu crowd during recent home matches against Levante and Monaco, with audible whistles and groans greeting his touches. The fan frustration stems from what many perceive as a significant dip in form from the Brazilian winger, particularly since being crowned the world’s best player in 2024.
This hostile reception has raised eyebrows across the Atlantic, where such treatment of a homegrown talent would be virtually unthinkable.
Brazilian perspective
TNT Brazil journalist Tati Montovani expressed the sentiment shared by many in Brazil when speaking to Spanish radio program El Partidazo:
“In Brazil this wouldn’t happen even with the worst neighbourhood team,” he explained, highlighting the cultural difference in how fans support their players.
While acknowledging Madrid supporters’ notoriously high standards, Brazilian media figures can’t comprehend the sustained nature of the criticism directed at Vinicius. There’s a growing feeling in Brazil that:
- The whistles have continued for an unusually long period
- The criticism is disproportionate compared to other players
- The treatment contradicts the Brazilian football culture of unconditional support
Growing disconnect
The situation has created a peculiar disconnect between how Vinicius is perceived in his homeland versus at the club where he’s achieved his greatest successes. In Brazil, there’s a sense that Madrid fans have short memories regarding what their number 7 has contributed to the club’s recent triumphs.
Every touch of the ball now seems to trigger a negative reaction from sections of the Bernabéu crowd, creating a potentially toxic atmosphere that risks further hampering the player’s attempts to rediscover his best form.
For Brazilian football culture, where backing your team’s players through thick and thin is practically sacred, this treatment of their star man is nothing short of bewildering.