Real Madrid soccer star Vinicius Junior breaks down as he explains the ruthless racism he faces in Spain – here’s why he won’t leave

Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior broke down in tears during a press conference on Monday as he revealed the racist attacks he continues to face despite being certainly one of Real Madrid’s hottest and talented black players.

During an emotional press conference, the 23-yr-old phenom explained how constant encounters with racist views over the past few years have tested his commitment to the sport and discouraged him.

However, he made it clear that he wouldn’t be intimidated or forced to leave Spain, emphasizing his strong determination to oppose discrimination in the country where he has played professionally since 2018.

The emotional toll of the abuse was evident Monday when Vinicius choked up as he discussed in a room stuffed with reporters how he was always targeted, ignored by officials or looked down upon due to the color of his skin – encounters which have turn out to be a part of his every day life in Spain.

“I just need to play football, however it’s hard for me to maneuver forward; “I feel less and less like having fun,” Vinicius said, his expression revealing the personal pain he felt.

The deeply moving press conference took place as Brazil prepared for an exhibition match against Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. It was also a part of the “One Skin” anti-racism campaign.

During his remarks, Vinicius expressed the challenges of reconciling his personal values ​​with the racism he faces from some fans, admitting that it was “difficult to move forward” and overcome constant threats and verbal abuse.

However, when asked if he had considered leaving the country and returning to his native Brazil, Vinicius said: “It never occurred to me, because if I leave Spain, I will give the racists exactly what they want.”

Vinicius said the persistence of the situation has strengthened his resolve and emboldened him to confront racists by continuing to seem in his every day life.

“I will stay because that way racists will be able to see my face more and more often,” he told the crowd in a heartbreaking moment as the room fell silent. “I’m a brave player. I play for Real Madrid and we win many titles, which many individuals do not like.

Vinicius has faced quite a few racist incidents in recent seasons, including disdainful “monkey” chants from Atletico Madrid fans before a match in September 2022 and last June, when 4 men were fined for hanging a racist image of Vinicius.

The athlete responded by filming the incidents and posting videos on social media to focus on the unprovoked hatred he faced in Spain.

“When will it be enough?” – wrote Winicjusz in a message attached to the film. “Racism is a crime. Not punishing means being an accomplice.”

A month earlier, the president of the Spanish football federation admitted that racism was the league’s most important problem after a series of hate-fueled protests that targeted the Real Madrid striker.

“We have a problem with behavior, education and racism,” said Luis Rubiales last May. in response to the Associated Press. “And as long as there’s one fan or one group of fans insulting someone’s sexual orientation, skin color or beliefs, we’ve a major problem. A major problem that stains the entire team, the entire fan base and the entire country.

Already this yr, several people have been fined for making racist gestures towards Vinicius during matches against Valencia and Sevilla. A Valencia fan has been banned for all times for his role in the incident at Mestalla Stadium, and authorities are still investigating and dealing to discover others who could face hate crime charges.

Last season, La Liga – Spain’s top skilled soccer league – told prosecutors a few dozen racist incidents that targeted Vinicius despite his status as certainly one of the world’s best players.

Last week, Real Madrid filed a criticism against referee Juan Martinez Munuera, who officiated the team’s match against Osasuna, for failing to report racist insults directed at Vinicius by Osasuna fans during the match.

For many black Americans, Spain is seen as a dream vacation destination, but beneath its charming façade lies a disturbing history of racism that usually goes unnoticed by tourists.