Real Madrid superstar opens up on racism ahead of Black Awareness Day | OneFootball

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr., currently with the Brazil national team, opened up in a candid interview with CBF TV (h/t Diario AS) about his experiences with racism and his ongoing efforts to combat discrimination.

The conversation took place ahead of Black Awareness Day on November 20, a day that holds deep significance for the winger.

Vinicius opens up on fighting racism

Reflecting on his personal journey, Vinicius emphasized the progress made in holding offenders accountable.

“In the last three months, we have already managed to put three or four people in jail and make them pay for the crime they committed. We are on the right track,” he stated.

“I play in Spain, where I suffered a lot and still suffer sometimes, but of course, it is less now with the help of all the clubs and all the people working hard to fight racism, like the CBF is doing,” he added.

Vinicius has indeed been a prime victim of racism in Spain, with the forward repeatedly urging the football authorities to take action. He stressed that eradicating racism requires collective action.

“I can’t fight all this alone. I know how important I am, but I always say it’s everybody’s fight. I know my strength and visibility: I can speak for all those people who don’t have it, or who are afraid, or who go through things and aren’t always believed,” he said.

Vinicius has had a difficult time with racism in Spain (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

The forward also praised the collaboration between footballing bodies like FIFA, CBF, and players worldwide, expressing optimism about creating a future with fewer cases of discrimination.

Highlighting the urgency of ending systemic racism, Vinicius also shared his hopes for a better future.

“Black people have suffered for a long time, and the time has come when all this has to end. So FIFA, which is a very strong body, together with the CBF, with all the players, have the strength to fight.

“Let’s move forward together, firm and strong, so that children in the future can have a better life,” he said.

The Real Madrid striker acknowledged that pressure has been a constant in his life, shaping his ability to overcome challenges.

“I have lived with pressure since I was born because I came from a very dangerous place, where I suffered a lot, and going through the ranks of Flamengo was also a big challenge. I came up through the ranks when I was 16 and I’ve had a lot of ups and downs,” he added.

Vinicius extended this mindset to his role with the Brazil national team, emphasizing his determination to succeed.

“It’s no different with the national team. I have gone through many ups and downs, always wanting to develop myself to do great things for our country, and the difficulties will come, as I said.

“I have gone through many ups and downs and I want to do my best and keep fighting with all my teammates, with all the coaching staff, and with all our staff to put Brazil at the top,” he concluded.