Jose Mourinho defended Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr after the duo were booed by Real Madrid supporters this week. The criticism, he said, focuses on their perceived lack of defensive work rather than their goal‑scoring output.
Mbappe’s opener against Inter Milan lifted him to joint‑fifth on the Champions League all‑time scorers list, while Vini Jr has been praised for his recent goal tally and ball‑winning ability. Mourinho likened both players to fruit trees, noting that “we only throw stones at the trees that have fruit.”
“He is the tree with a lot of fruit,” Mourinho said of Vini Jr, adding that his statistics and records point to an even better future. He echoed the same sentiment for Mbappe, who scored 42 goals in 44 games last season and is a Ballon d’Or nominee.
Despite the players’ achievements, Real Madrid failed to win a trophy last year, a fact that may have fueled the boos. Football analyst Guillem Balague suggested that the club’s recent lack of silverware and past contract negotiations could explain fan frustration.
Mourinho’s remarks come as the club prepares for the next Champions League campaign, with fans hoping the team will translate individual brilliance into collective success.
