Real Madrid closed out their calendar year with a victory, but very few inside the Santiago Bernabeu left feeling reassured.
The 2–0 win over Sevilla ensured three points, yet the performance once again raised uncomfortable questions, particularly around Vinicius Jr. and the growing tension between the winger and sections of the fanbase.
Despite the result, the atmosphere was far from celebratory. Recent wins have done little to convince supporters that Xabi Alonso’s side is truly turning a corner, and that frustration spilled over late in the match.
Vinicius struggled to impose himself and became the focal point of the crowd’s discontent.
The key moment arrived in the 82nd minute when Alonso decided to withdraw Vinicius and introduce Gonzalo Garcia.
As the Brazilian made his way off the pitch, a loud chorus of boos echoed around the stadium.
Florentino Perez’s reaction
What followed only added fuel to the fire. Television cameras cut to the VIP box, where Florentino Perez was seen speaking animatedly.
A TV programme, as per Defensa Central, attempted to lip-read the moment, subtitling the president as saying, “Why is he taking it away?”
Florentino Pérez, presidente do Real Madrid, demonstrou insatisfação com a decisão de Xabi Alonso de substituir Vini Jr. aos 82 minutos no duelo contra o Sevilla. Incomodado, o dirigente questionou de forma direta:
“Por que ele o substituiu?” pic.twitter.com/Fqv3yYtD9z
— Don Vinícius Jr (@vinijrmadrid_) December 23, 2025
However, there is another possible reading of the situation. The president could just as easily have been reacting to the atmosphere rather than the substitution itself, with a very similar phrase – “Why are they booing him?”
That context is impossible to ignore, as Vinicius’ contract with Real Madrid runs until 2027, but negotiations over an extension have stalled.
Every gesture, reaction, and decision is now being analysed through that lens.
Adding to the drama, Vinicius took a personal step that did not go unnoticed.
Just minutes after the final whistle, he changed his profile picture on social media, replacing an image associated with Real Madrid with one featuring the Brazilian national team.
The timing was immediate, and fans quickly connected it to the boos he had received moments earlier.
Individually, it may seem like a small act, but collectively, it speaks volumes.