Real Madrid fans love Vinicius more than Mbappe, says former Barcelona star Keita Balde

Vinicius Junior may be struggling to reproduce his best form for Real Madrid, but the Brazilian winger retains a special bond with the Santiago Bernabeu, according to former Barcelona player Keita Balde.

Vinicius has been short of the decisive performances that established him as one of Real Madrid’s leading players. His recent displays have also led some supporters to question whether he can return to his previous level.

Balde, however, believes the relationship between Vinicius and the club’s fans remains strong. Speaking as a guest on the El Chiringuito programme, he told Sport: “Real Madrid fans love Vinicius more than Kylian Mbappe.”

The former Barcelona player said his view was based on what he sensed from outside the club, adding: “Vinicius is held in very high regard and is greatly appreciated at the Bernabeu.”

Balde also backed the 26-year-old to recover his form and rediscover the qualities that have made him such an important player for Real Madrid.

“I know football. Vinicius will definitely come back, and he will recover that spark he has,” he said.

That spark is one of the Brazilian’s defining characteristics, although it has not appeared with the same consistency during recent seasons.

The comparison with Mbappe adds further significance to Balde’s comments. The France forward has taken on a major share of Real Madrid’s attacking responsibility since joining the club, but he has not yet won over every member of the club’s support.

Comments relating to the Ballon d’Or, as well as an incident involving shirts supporting the city of Ceuta, have also contributed to a degree of distance between Mbappe and some Real Madrid fans.

Balde reiterated his view, saying: “I feel they love Vinicius more than Kylian. I feel they love Vinicius a lot.”

The backing Vinicius received from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd has been an important part of his development at Real Madrid, helping him become one of the club’s most prominent players.

Balde believes that connection has survived the winger’s recent dip in form, despite the questions that have been raised about his performances.

El Chiringuito TV shared a clip of Balde’s comments on 30 September 2026, accompanied by the caption: “The Bernabeu wants Vinicius more than Mbappe.”