Kylian Mbappé reaffirmed his support for his Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Júnior by declaring himself to be “always on your boat” after Saturday’s 3–1 victory over Villarreal.
After a campaign thus far dominated by Mbappé, Vinícius was the standout figure at the Santiago Bernabéu as Madrid eased to all three points, scoring twice and getting Santiago Mouriño sent off. The Brazilian’s second of the evening came from 12 yards after Mbappé unexpectedly handed over penalty-taking duties for the first time this season.
The Frenchman, who would extend his own scoring record from open play in the final 10 minutes, had not yet found the back of the net when he gave the ball and a kiss to Vinícius.
“Siempre en tu barco,” was the message Mbappé delivered on social media after the game. “Always on your boat.”
While Mbappé has been hailed as a serious Ballon d’Or contender during his blistering start to the season, Vinícius has endured a more testing adaptation spell under Xabi Alonso. No longer a guaranteed starter with Rodrygo eagerly waiting in the wings to snatch away his first-choice berth, Madrid’s No. 7 has repeatedly cut an openly exasperated figure.
Alonso wasn’t entirely enamored by the heartfelt act. “Today it was decided between them, but the taker is still Mbappé,” Madrid’s manager bluntly outlined. “It was a matter for both of them.”
Vinícius may have strengthened his bond with Mbappé and totted up two more goals for his seasonal tally, but it was not a performance without controversy.
