Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr has expressed his growing disillusionment with football due to the persistent racist abuse he has endured, revealing that he feels “less and less” motivated to continue playing.
During an emotional news conference, Vinicius addressed the racist incidents he has faced, with 10 such incidents reported to La Liga prosecutors last season alone. Despite the abuse, Vinicius affirmed his determination not to let racism dictate his decisions, vowing to remain at Real Madrid and in Spain to defy the intentions of the perpetrators.
The 23-year-old emphasized his commitment to confronting racism head-on, asserting that leaving Spain would only serve to validate the actions of racists. He emphasized his resilience and refusal to succumb to intimidation, highlighting his role as a prominent player for Real Madrid.
Vinicius’s remarks come amidst ongoing efforts by football authorities to combat racism, with Brazil and Spain set to face off in an international friendly as part of an anti-racism campaign titled ‘One skin’.
Real Madrid recently filed a complaint against a referee for allegedly omitting racist abuse directed at Vinicius from his match report, underscoring the club’s commitment to addressing discrimination.
Vinicius’s ordeal with racism extends beyond the pitch, with incidents ranging from derogatory chants by opposing fans to offensive gestures during matches. Despite facing such challenges, Vinicius remains resolute in his stance against racism, advocating for greater accountability and consequences for perpetrators.