There was not much talk about football during the press chat. Since Vinicius (23) signed a contract with Real Madrid, the Brazilian winger has too often been the victim of senseless racism in Spain. Now that he will play with the national team again in a Spanish football stadium – and that in ‘his’ Santiago Bernabéu – Vinicius soon burst into tears when that sensitive topic was broached.
“It’s quite sad, it happens here every game, every day. Every time I bring this up it makes me very sad,” Vinicius explains. “This is happening not only in Spain, but all over the world. I will continue to resist so that no one will fall victim to racism in the near future,” the Brazilian insists. “But it’s tiring to be alone. I have made so many complaints and no one is punished, no club is punished. With each passing day, I fight for everyone who is going through this.”
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When the Brazilian spoke specifically about his situation, there was a silence of about 40 seconds. Vinicius could no longer keep it dry. “My family, all those people who suffer day in and day out. Other people don’t have the same future prospects as I do. I am very happy to be able to represent everything that I represent: my family, my country… I know where I come from, there was not much prospect of a future. I am already a winner because I am where I am now.”
“If I leave, I’ll give the racists what they want”
For example, one of the racism incidents that the 23-year-old Brazilian had to deal with dates back to the end of January last year. A day before the city derby between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid (3-1) in the Copa del Rey, a doll wearing Vinicius’ shirt was hung from a bridge. Above the doll hung a banner with the inscription: “Madrid hates Real”. After the incident, an investigation was immediately opened by the Spanish police. The four people were identified on the basis of testimonies. They later received a stadium ban.
“Every time I feel sadder,” Vinicius continues. “Every time I feel less like playing football. I have often thought about leaving Spain. But if I leave here, I’ll give the racists what they want. I want to stay here, at the best club in the world, so that they can continue to see my face,” Vinicus remains combative. “The people in question have often gone too far with me and by extension with my family. I want this to change, so that journalists no longer have to ask questions at a press moment.”
Last weekend, the Selecao recorded a 0-1 win in Wembley against England, the Red Devils’ next opponent on Tuesday. The 17-year-old Endrick, teammate of Vinicius Jr. from next summer. at Real, was then crowned match winner.
