Vinicius Jr: Why His Days Playing in Spain Might Be Close to an End
Brazilian, footballer, dancer, decisive, extraordinary. These are all adjectives that can be used to describe Vinicius Jr. The Madrillista has an insane amount of attributes, which puts him as one of the best soccer players of the actuality. Just like any other human being, Vinicius has flaws, but being black is definitely not one of them.
Although the racist attacks have been going on for years, the situation started to heat up back on September 15, 2022. While on live television ahead of a game against Atletico de Madrid, Vinicius was told to stop “monkeying around” by Pedro Bravo, the president of the Spanish Agents Association. The comment was in regards to Jr.’s way of celebrating a goal, which was by dancing. The next day, Atletico’s captain, Koke, came out and stated that Vinicius can “expect trouble” if he celebrates with a dance. To this, the Brazilian responded with a video on his social media where he expressed his right to celebrate however he wants to. According to Junior 2022, Vinicius Jr said“The script always ends with an apology and I was misunderstood. But I repeat to you, racist: I won’t stop dancing. Whether at the Sambódromo, at the Bernabéu or wherever.” The Madrid derby ended at 2-1 for Real, and although Vinicius did not score, he still danced.
Things got kind of quiet for a few months. La Liga stopped for a couple of months, but it returned late December 2022. However, on January 26th of this year, the day of another derby, things were taken even further. A section of Atletico’s fans put up a sign on a bridge that read “Madrid hates Real, '' and right beside it, a doll was hung from its neck, simulating an actual hanging. The doll was wearing Vinicius Jr’s jersey. Once again, Vini was able to respond to the atrocity on the field, by scoring a late goal that guaranteed Real’s win by 3-1.
A couple of weeks later, Vinicius was targeted again, this time by one of his fellow countrymen, Gabriel Paulista. In a tough game against Valencia, Paulista slid into Vinicius with disproportionate strength and no reason at all. The player was immediately sent off with a red card, but the repercussions were not enough, as there was no other reason for the challenge if not Vinicius’ skin color.
The most recent incident happened this month, on the 5th. Real Madrid traveled all the way to Palma de Mallorca to face Mallorca at the Iberostar Stadium. ESPN reporter Gustavo Hofman was at the game, and describes the atmosphere as filled with hate. The entirety of Mallorca’s supporters would express their dislike for Jr, whenever he touched the ball. Names were constantly being yelled at the player from the stands. As if that was not enough, team captain for Mallorca, Raillo, showed Vini the team’s crest during the game, asking his opponent to kiss it. Mallorca won the game 1-0, and later, when asked why he did that, Raillo said that Vini is actually always making provocative comments during the games, and then uses racism as a way to blame everything that happens to him on and off the field. However, even if it were all true, if Vini really was a provocative player, which other players have already come out and said otherwise, is that reason enough for racism?
People close to Vinicus have come out and said that the player is prepared for any hostility and has been getting stronger over the past months. However, Vinicius should not have to prepare himself to face these situations. Instead he should not face them at all.
La Liga has been very lenient with every single episode, and although it positions itself against racism, it really does not do anything about it but get the authorities involved when the insults come from the stands, and not from inside the pitch. Two out of the four cases that were turned in to the Spanish Authorities in regards to Vini have been ruled out, and the other two are not considered as priority right now.
Real Madrid also has come out saying that they stand against any type of racism, but it needs to be asked: is this enough? How much longer can Vini Jr actually take of this. If he keeps being publicly humiliated on national television, called out by his colleagues, and literally having the entire situation rubbed in his face, chances are Vini’s days playing for Real Madrid and in the La Liga are limited.