Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr has expressed feeling increasingly disheartened about playing football due to the persistent racist abuse he has endured. Throughout last season, there were 10 reported incidents of racial discrimination against the 23-year-old in La Liga.
In an emotional press conference, Vinicius stated his determination not to succumb to racism by leaving Real Madrid and Spain. He emphasized that quitting would only grant victory to the racists. Despite the challenges, he affirmed his commitment to staying, believing it would defy the racists and allow them to see his face more often.
However, Vinicius admitted struggling to overcome the abuse, confessing that his enthusiasm for playing football was diminishing.
Brazil is set to face Spain in an international friendly at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, part of an anti-racism campaign named ‘One skin’.
Reflecting on his decision to stay in Spain, Vinicius declared that leaving would be giving in to the racists’ desires. He emphasized his boldness as a player for Real Madrid and acknowledged that his success may provoke resentment among certain individuals.
Real Madrid recently filed a complaint against referee Juan Martinez Munuera for allegedly omitting racist abuse directed at Vinicius during their match against Osasuna. However, Osasuna denied any racist chants from their supporters.
Vinicius has faced multiple instances of racial abuse in recent years, including chants from Atletico Madrid fans during a derby match and the hanging of an effigy near Real’s training ground. Several individuals have been fined and banned for racially discriminatory behavior towards him during games.
Throughout this season, reports have emerged of racist incidents targeting Vinicius during matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, and Valencia.