Vinicius tearfully vows to persist amid racism battle

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was visibly emotional on Monday as he addressed the racial abuse he has endured while playing in Spain.

Speaking candidly about his experiences combating racism, Vinicius shared his thoughts on the eve of the friendly match between Spain and Brazil, scheduled for Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

“It’s something quite sad, it’s something that happens here in every game, every day,” Vinicius said.

The 23-year-old continued, “Every legal complaint of mine makes me very sad. But like all the black people around the world. It’s something sad. This is something that is happening.

“Not only in Spain but also around the world. It also happened to my father, they chose a white man over a black man. It’s something that I notice, and I fight because they have chosen me. I fight so that In the near future it won’t happen to anyone again.”

Vinicius rompe a llorar en Valdebebas al hablar sobre el racismo.

“Lo único que quiero es jugar al fútbol y que las personas negras no sufran”.@elmundoes pic.twitter.com/wLbDkKLSLV

— Abraham P. Romero (@AbrahamRomero_) March 25, 2024

The Brazilian continued by expressing gratitude to his teammates and fellow footballers for the support received amidst his struggle against racism.

“I feel supported by my teammates and by the footballers. I hope and wish that racism will decrease. The only thing left to do is work and continue on the path already started.

“The footballers send me messages of support. I have to improve on the field. I’m still just 23 years old and it’s a natural progression,” he said.

After an impressive outing in Brazil’s 1-0 win over France on Saturday, Vincius will lead the Seleção’s attack when they face Spain in another friendly on Tuesday, March 26.