The hostility is real – and it has names, dates, and, increasingly, court sentences. For Vinicius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, better known as Vinicius Jr., the past eight years at Real Madrid have been marked not only by dazzling displays of footballing skill but too by a disturbing and persistent wave of racist abuse. The latest incident, occurring during a match in Lisbon, is reportedly the 20th time the Brazilian forward has allegedly been targeted with racism during his time with the Spanish club, a grim tally that underscores a deeply troubling issue within the sport.
The 23-year-old’s experience isn’t isolated to a single stadium or a single group of fans. The abuse has followed him across Spain, manifesting in monkey chants, threats and even the horrifying spectacle of a black mannequin dressed in his jersey hung from a bridge in January 2023. This wasn’t a spontaneous act; four members of the Atletico Madrid supporters’ group Frente Atletico were later sentenced – though the sentences were commuted to fines and restraining orders – for their involvement. The frequency and severity of these incidents have forced a reckoning within Spanish football, and prompted Vinicius Jr. To become a vocal advocate against racism, refusing to be silenced despite the personal toll.
A Timeline of Abuse
The incidents began relatively early in Vinicius Jr.’s career with Real Madrid. In October 2021, during a Clasico at Camp Nou, a fan directed racist abuse at him as he was being substituted, but the case was closed due to the inability to identify the perpetrator. The following March, fans of Mallorca reportedly made monkey noises and told him to “go pick bananas,” a particularly vile incident that, at the time, drew condemnation but no criminal repercussions.
The response – or lack thereof – from authorities and football officials initially fueled frustration. On the Spanish football program El Chiringuito, Pedro Bravo, head of the Spanish Football Agents’ Association, infamously suggested Vinicius should “stop acting like a monkey” and show respect to his opponents. He later apologized, claiming his words were metaphorical, but the damage was done, sparking outrage, particularly in Brazil. No further action was taken against Bravo.
September 2022 saw Atletico Madrid fans chanting racist abuse outside the stadium, again without leading to charges. Then came the deeply disturbing incident with the mannequin, a visual representation of the hatred directed towards the player.
A Turning Point at Mestalla
A potential turning point arrived in May 2023 at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium. After being subjected to insults, Vinicius Jr. Confronted the stands, leading to a heated exchange and, a red card after an altercation with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and a punch thrown at Hugo Duro. This incident, still, proved to be a catalyst for change. In June 2024, three fans were sentenced to eight months in prison and a two-year stadium ban for their part in the abuse – a landmark ruling, marking the first sentence of its kind in Spain. The BBC reported on the significance of this sentencing, highlighting it as a potential shift in how Spanish courts address racism in football.
When Vinicius Jr. Returned to Mestalla in March 2024, he was met with a chorus of boos, but responded emphatically, scoring two goals and celebrating with a defiant raised fist. Even when not physically present, the abuse has continued. Eleven days after the Mestalla return, racist chants erupted before a Champions League match between Atletico Madrid and Inter, prompting Real Madrid to report the incident to the hate crimes prosecutor’s office. Further incidents followed at Osasuna, where fans shouted “Vinicius die,” and during the Madrid derby, where four individuals were arrested for inciting a hate campaign on social media.
The Fight Continues
Most recently, in February, during a Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad, referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez paused the match due to racist chants directed at another player, but cameras also captured a fan making monkey gestures towards Vinicius Jr. During the stoppage. The club responded by broadcasting announcements over the PA system and LED screens rejecting xenophobic chants. Just last month, during a Copa del Rey match against Albacete, fans hurled racist insults at the Brazilian, prompting strong condemnation from La Liga, which reaffirmed its support for the player.
Vinicius Jr. Has consistently refused to be portrayed as a victim. After the sentencing of the fans involved in the Valencia incident, he stated, “Many people asked me to ignore it, others said that my fight was in vain and that I should just ‘play football’,” in a post on X. “But, as I’ve always said, I’m not a victim of racism. I am an executioner of racists. This first criminal conviction in Spanish history is not for me. It’s for all black people.”
The fight against racism in Spanish football, and beyond, is far from over. The recent arrest of four individuals on September 29, 2024, for inciting a hate campaign against Vinicius Jr. During the Madrid derby demonstrates that authorities are taking the issue more seriously, but sustained effort and vigilance are crucial. The next significant step will be the outcome of investigations into the Lisbon incident, and the continued implementation of anti-hate protocols at matches across Spain.
This ongoing saga serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Black athletes and the urgent need for continued action to combat racism in all its forms. What are your thoughts on the steps being taken to address this issue? Share your comments below and support us continue the conversation.
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