Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has come out strongly in defence of Vinícius Jr after sections of the Bernabéu crowd booed the Brazilian during the 2-0 win over Levante. Despite the victory marking Arbeloa’s league debut, the night was not entirely comfortable, especially for Vinícius, who has struggled for consistency this season.
The criticism comes in a tense period for the club following a shock Copa del Rey exit to Albacete, a result that deepened fan frustration and raised questions around leadership. Arbeloa has already taken responsibility for that collapse, as covered by SoftFootball, and understands the pressure that now surrounds the squad.
Speaking after the Levante match in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano’s official X account, Arbeloa reminded supporters of Vinícius’s legacy. He stressed that short-term form should not erase years of decisive moments.
To Arbeloa, Vinícius is not just another attacker but a symbol of Madrid’s recent dominance, someone who has repeatedly stepped up when it mattered most.
The coach shifted focus to the future and explained how the team plans to help Vinícius rediscover his best level. Arbeloa made it clear that responsibility does not sit with the player alone. It was a subtle message to his squad to trust Vinícius more, even when things are not flowing.
Fabrizio Romano posted:
Arbeloa backs once again Vini Jr: Vini has given us several Champions League titles, I hope no one forgets that.
Now we’re going to work hard to find him, give him plenty of balls, so he can keep creating chances, enjoy himself, and get back to the form we all know.
Arbeloa also addressed the broader context of fan discontent, linking it to Madrid’s recent inconsistency and the painful 3-2 Copa del Rey defeat. He acknowledged the Bernabéu’s demands but framed them as fuel rather than pressure.
With leaders like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler around him, Arbeloa believes Vinícius will respond. For now, his backing was loud, public, and very deliberate.
