Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, with his unwavering determination, has pledged to persistently combat racism in Spain, fully aware that eliminating this pervasive issue entirely might be an arduous task.
Since his arrival at the Spanish champions, the talented Brazilian attacker has unfortunately endured numerous instances of racist abuse during La Liga matches. These incidents prompted the league to take action, submitting at least nine complaints to a Barcelona court regarding the racial abuse directed at Vinicius throughout the course of the season.
In response to a particularly egregious incident involving Valencia last season, Vinicius expressed his deep-seated frustration through his social media platforms. His poignant statement, emphasizing that the Spanish top-flight “belongs to racists,” resonated deeply with football fans and activists alike, shedding light on the urgent need for change.
However, Vinicius’ passionate comments did not go without controversy. La Liga president, Javier Tebas, engaged in a public exchange with the young talent, urging him to seek accurate information before criticizing and denouncing the entire league. This exchange opened up a dialogue, encouraging all stakeholders to strive for a more inclusive and understanding environment within Spanish football.
Vinicius Junior’s resolute stance against racism serves as a powerful reminder that the fight against discrimination is a collective responsibility, requiring dedicated efforts from players, organizations, fans, and society as a whole. By amplifying his voice and standing up against racial injustice, Vinicius continues to inspire positive change and shape the future of football in Spain.
Vinicius will keep fighting against racism in Spain to make things better for future generations.
“I personally know that I am not going to change history, that I am not going to make Spain a country without racists, nor the whole world,” he told L’Equipe. “But I know that I can change some things. So that those who come in the next few years do not go through this, so that children can have peace of mind in the future. For them I will do everything I can.”
Reflecting on the fallout from the Valencia game in May, he added: “It happened on many occasions, and in Valencia in a flagrant and important way. I felt a lot of sadness. If I am on the field it is to make people happy. And a group, which I know is a minority, can affect you to the point that you no longer think about playing.
“I learned a lot about racism. I know more every day. It’s a really complex issue. I really hope that these episodes don’t happen again. Not only with me, but with all the players, with everyone…. And especially with the children.
“They are not prepared for this kind of moments. Since I was 19 years old, I have been interested in the topic of racism. I understand a little bit more how I should react. I’m glad that things are changing. The laws will change and, in the stadiums, I think that will happen less and less thanks to that.”
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