Vinícius Júnior is facing one of the most difficult stretches of his Real Madrid career. After going 17 consecutive matches without a goal, the Brazilian winger was booed by his own fans at the Santiago Bernabéu, triggering a reaction off the pitch that quickly became the center of attention across Spanish media.
A Night to Forget at the Santiago Bernabéu
Real Madrid’s match against Sevilla was expected to be an opportunity for Vinícius Júnior to reset his form, but instead it highlighted the growing tension between the player and the Bernabéu crowd. Vinícius started the game wearing the captain’s armband, underlining his status as one of the club’s leaders. However, his on-field contribution fell short of the expectations typically placed on a global superstar.
Statistically, his performance was mixed rather than disastrous. He completed six successful dribbles out of nine attempts, created two chances for teammates, and managed one shot on target. Yet for a player of his profile, these numbers were not enough to silence concerns. Most notably, his goal drought has now stretched beyond two months, reaching 17 matches without scoring since his brace against Villarreal in early October.
The Moment That Sparked the Whistles
The defining moment came in the 83rd minute, when Vinícius was substituted for young forward Gonzalo García. As he left the pitch, a packed Santiago Bernabéu responded with loud whistles. While such reactions are not unheard of at Real Madrid, they carry particular weight given the club’s demanding culture and Vinícius’ status as a key attacking figure.
During the match itself, the Brazilian showed no visible reaction. There were no gestures toward the crowd and no confrontation on the pitch. Instead, his response came later and in a far more symbolic form, one that immediately fueled speculation about his mindset and relationship with the club.
A Subtle but Powerful Social Media Message
Shortly after the final whistle, Vinícius changed his Instagram profile picture, removing the Real Madrid jersey and replacing it with an image associated with the Brazilian national team. He then posted a story containing only an ellipsis, without any caption or explanation. In modern football, such actions rarely go unnoticed, and the message was widely interpreted as an expression of frustration or emotional distance.
This was not the first time Vinícius had attracted attention away from the pitch in recent weeks. During a Copa del Rey match against lower-league side Talavera, he remained on the bench throughout the game. When the opposition scored late, television cameras caught Vinícius laughing and chatting with Endrick, while head coach Xabi Alonso appeared visibly tense on the sidelines. Spanish media quickly seized on the contrast, though the club publicly chose not to comment on the incident.
Real Madrid’s Internal View and Growing Uncertainty
According to reports from AS, Real Madrid are increasingly concerned about the tense atmosphere surrounding Vinícius. Despite the criticism, the club continues to back the player internally, valuing his work rate, persistence, and long-term importance to the squad. Vinícius himself has reportedly acknowledged that he is far from his best physical and mental condition, with some believing that the winter break could offer a much-needed reset.
However, patience at Real Madrid is never unlimited. Each match without a goal adds pressure, not only from supporters but also within the club hierarchy. The situation is becoming more delicate as performances and long-term contract discussions begin to intersect.
Contract Talks Add Another Layer of Pressure
Vinícius Júnior has yet to agree on a contract extension with Real Madrid, and negotiations remain at a standstill. Reports indicate that the winger is demanding a salary of €30 million per year, including a renewal bonus that the club has historically avoided offering. Real Madrid, by contrast, are prepared to go no higher than €20 million annually.
Earlier this season, The Athletic reported that Vinícius had expressed deep frustration with his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso, describing it as “completely broken.” While coaching dynamics may play a role, financial expectations appear to be the primary obstacle. Club executives are reportedly unwilling to meet his demands without clear evidence that he can return to a consistently elite level.
A Star at a Crossroads
As the goal drought continues, the atmosphere around Vinícius Júnior grows increasingly tense. He remains one of the most talented and influential players in European football, yet his current situation highlights how quickly perception can shift at a club like Real Madrid. The coming weeks could prove decisive, both for his form on the pitch and for his future at the club.
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