Real Madrid forward says players have to lead the fight against discrimination and abuse
Vinicius Junior has backed Lamine Yamal for speaking out against anti-Muslim chants, saying players must unite in the fight against discrimination.
The Real Madrid forward was responding to comments made by the Barcelona winger, who condemned abuse that occurred during Spain’s recent friendly against Egypt. Yamal described the chants as disrespectful and intolerable.
Vinicius, who has frequently been targeted by racist abuse during his career in Europe, said it is important for players to use their platform.
“Hopefully we can continue with this fight,” Vinicius said. “It’s important that Lamine speaks about it. It could help others. We are famous, we have money, we can balance these things better, but the poor people and the Blacks who are everywhere, they surely struggle more than we do. So we have to stick together, those who have a stronger voice, the players.”
The Brazil international added: “I’m not saying that Spain or Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, and in Brazil and other countries as well. But if we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won’t have to go through this again.”
Vinicius has been at the centre of similar incidents this season. During a Champions League match in Lisbon, he accused Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him, while also facing insults from the stands.
Off the pitch, the 25-year-old said he expects to extend his stay at Madrid, with his current contract running until 2027.
“Let’s hope I can stay here for a long time,” he said. “I still have a year left, we’re calm. I have the confidence of the president [Florentino Pérez], and we’re calm about what we want.
“At the right time we’ll do the renewal, and I’ll be here a long time. It’s the club of my dreams, I’m happy here, and I want to be here for many years.”
