Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian striker for Real Madrid, is taking a bold stance against racism in stadiums in Spain. In a recent interview with CNN, Vinicius called for Spain to be stripped of its hosting duties for the 2030 World Cup unless significant progress is made in addressing racism.
The 24-year-old star has been a frequent target of racist abuse from fans during La Liga matches, and he believes more needs to be done to change attitudes in Spanish society. Vinicius emphasized the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment for players, free from racial discrimination.
His comments have sparked controversy in Spain, where the 2030 World Cup is set to be co-hosted with Morocco and Portugal, with additional matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. While some, like Real Madrid teammate Dani Carvajal, defend Spain’s track record on racism and oppose the idea of stripping the country of its hosting rights, others, including Vinicius himself, feel that concrete actions need to be taken to address the issue.
In response to Vinicius’s comments, Spain’s national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, reiterated that Spain is not a racist country and highlighted the progress being made in combating racism in sports. However, incidents of racist abuse towards Vinicius and his teammates, such as the recent convictions of Valencia fans for racist behavior, demonstrate that there is still work to be done.
Despite the backlash from some quarters in Spain, Vinicius’s advocacy for combating racism in football is a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by players of color. His call for action serves as a rallying cry for greater awareness and accountability in the fight against racism in sports.
