Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior broke down in tears during an emotional press conference on Monday, as he spoke out against the escalating racist abuse directed at him in Spain. The Brazilian international expressed his frustration at the lack of repercussions for perpetrators, emphasizing the urgent need for action to combat racism in football.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s friendly match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu, organized to reinforce the commitment against violence and racism in football, Vinicius Jr revealed the distressing extent of the racist abuse he has endured over the past two years in Spain.
Despite facing racist chants in over 10 Spanish stadiums, Vinicius Jr emphasized his determination to continue playing in Spain, refusing to give in to the desires of those who seek to intimidate him based on the color of his skin.
“Things have only gotten worse since I first spoke out against the abuse,” Vinicius Jr lamented. “The lack of punishment emboldens people to continue targeting me because of my race. But I just want to play football without facing discrimination based on my skin color.”
The Real Madrid star recounted his recent return to the Mestella to face Valencia, where he was subjected to racist abuse before kick-off and during the match. Despite the adversity, Vinicius Jr’s resilience shone through as he scored two goals, celebrating his first goal with a powerful gesture echoing the iconic moment from the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
The incidents at Valencia were not isolated, as alleged racist chants were reported outside Atletico Madrid’s stadium and the Olympic Stadium before Champions League ties against Inter Milan and Napoli, respectively. Madrid authorities have filed complaints, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Vinicius Jr acknowledged the toll the abuse has taken on him, admitting that it has made it increasingly difficult to focus on football. However, he remains steadfast in his resolve to confront racism head-on, determined to continue scoring goals and challenging the minority of individuals who perpetrate such hatred.
In a powerful assertion of his identity and defiance against racism, Vinicius Jr declared, “I’m not leaving Spain because that would only validate the racists’ beliefs. I will keep fighting, keep scoring goals, and keep showing my face. Racism will not prevail.”
