Vinicius Junior embraced his destiny as a footballer, became a reference in his position, but, by force of circumstances, was also established as a symbol of the fight against racism. The electric Real Madrid winger, 23, carries on his young shoulders the weight of a scourge which still rages on Spanish lawns.
This Monday, March 25, at a press conference, the Brazilian let tears flow, exhausted by the perpetual hatred of which he is a victim. “I thought so much about leaving here (from Spain), regretted Vinicius Junior. But if I do, I’ll give the racists what they want. I want to continue here, in the best club in the world, so that they continue to see my face. »
Before pointing out the laxity of Iberian institutions: “The absence of punishment is what frustrates me the most, that all these people continue and then leave without anything happening afterwards. » Once again, the Brazilian was criticized by certain figures, such as former goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert, who assured him that “football is for men”.
VIDEO. Vinicius, victim of racism, breaks down and bursts into tears in the middle of a press conference
Since his arrival in Madrid, the winger has been the regular target of opposing supporters, but also sometimes of other players and the media. Racist insults even become systematic during his team’s away matches. These acts have become more and more frequent since 2021, which corresponds to the return of spectators to the stands after the health crisis, but also the moment when Vinicius Junior established himself as one of the best players in La Liga.
The insults even reach Real fans
The insults even reach Real Madrid fans. In September 2023, an 8-year-old girl who came to the stadium to watch the derby against Atlético was insulted and threatened with death because she was wearing a Vinicius Junior jersey. A few months earlier, Colchoneros supporters had been suspended from the stadium for hanging a doll bearing the winger’s image from a bridge.
Vinicius is regularly the victim of racism. 2024 Icon Sports
Hatred towards the Brazilian significantly accelerated in September 2022, after an edition of the Spanish show Chiringuito. In this broadcast, the president of the Spanish agents’ association, Pedro Bravo, criticized the Madrilenian for his celebrations: “Vinicius must respect the opposition. If you want to dance samba, you go to Brazil. Here you need to respect your colleagues and stop monkeying around. »
Neymar, Thiago Silva, Pelé but also many European clubs had published messages of support for the Madrilenian. However, in Spain, Vinicius Junior received very little support. Several La Liga players cited behavior deemed “provocative” to legitimize the odious insults suffered by the Brazilian. “These are dances to celebrate the cultural diversity of the world,” recalled the winger. Accept it, respect it. I’m not going to stop. »
“La Liga has a problem with racism”
The most violent episode suffered by Vinicius Junior was perhaps the affair at the Mestalla, the Valencia stadium. During a championship match in May 2023, the Madrilenian was insulted throughout the game, to the point that the referee had to interrupt the match. After the restart, the winger was sent off following a scuffle, and Valencia fans made further racist remarks.
Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, was overwhelmed by this scene: “Thinking about removing a player because of racism, that had never happened to me. What happened today has happened to us before, but in this way, no. This is unacceptable. La Liga has a problem with racism. And the problem isn’t Vinicius. He is the victim. »
The international community was obviously outraged. But the president of La Liga, Javier Tebas, angry at the fact that Vinicius Junior pointed out the inaction of the League, vilified the player: “Since those who should do it do not explain to you what La Liga can do in the event of racism, we tried to explain it to you, but you did not show up on either of the two agreed dates that you yourself requested. Before criticizing and insulting La Liga, you must inform yourself correctly. »
Vinicius Junior regretted this response: “Once again, instead of criticizing racists, the president of La Liga appears on social media to attack me. » Since then, the insults have not stopped, and Real Madrid has multiplied the complaints to defend its player. The last one dates back to March 15, after the insults suffered by the Brazilian on the sidelines of the round of 16 of the Champions League between Atlético de Madrid and Inter, as well as FC Barcelona and Naples.
