Vinicius Junior recently shared his emotional turmoil regarding racist abuse he's endured while playing for Real Madrid in Spain.

The 23-year-old forward, known for his dazzling skills on the field, broke down in tears during a press conference held in Madrid on Monday, according to CNN.

Despite facing discrimination from opposing fans on multiple occasions, Vinicius Junior remains determined to combat racism and continue representing his team.

Vinicius Junior, at a press conference Monday, fought tears while speaking, "I just want to play football, but it's hard to move forward... I feel less and less like playing (due to the racist abuse)," he said. "It never crossed my mind (to leave Spain) because if I leave Spain, I give the racists exactly what they want."

"I will stay because that way, the racists can continue to see my face more and more. I'm a bold player, I play for Real Madrid, and we win a lot of titles and that doesn't sit well with a lot of people," Brazil Football Star added.

Vinicius Junior has encountered racist behavior at more than ten stadiums across Spain over the past two years.

His most shocking experience occurred during a match at Valencia, where he imitated the iconic raised fist gesture from the 1968 Mexico Olympics after scoring a goal.

La Liga reported instances of alleged racist chanting towards him before a Champions League match against Inter Milan.

Additionally, in a disturbing incident in January 2023, an effigy of Vinicius Junior was hung from a bridge near Valdebebas before a Madrid derby.

Standing Strong Against Racism

Despite the challenges, Brazil Football Star Vinicius Junior remains steadfast in his commitment to Real Madrid and his fight against racism, CBS News reports.

He addressed reporters in person, a rare occurrence for him, expressing his sadness over the prevalence of racism not only in Spain but worldwide.

The Brazilian forward emphasized the need for more action from football's governing bodies, criticizing the lack of support from UEFA, FIFA, and CONMEBOL.

However, he acknowledged the backing he has received from Real Madrid, particularly appreciating recent statements of support from the club's president, Florentino Perez.

Racism in Football: A Persistent Issue

Vinicius Junior's experience is not isolated. Racism has plagued football for years, both on and off the pitch.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has advocated for stricter measures, including automatic forfeits for teams whose fans engage in racist behavior, The Athletic noted.

Incidents like the suspension of New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir for racist language and the online racist abuse directed at Black players after England's Euro 2021 loss highlight the ongoing struggle against racism in the sport.

From European leagues to international competitions like the World Cup, efforts to combat racism in football remain a pressing issue.

Brazil Football Star Vinicius Junior's emotional revelation sheds light on the persistent problem of racism in football and the need for decisive action from authorities and clubs alike.

As one of the sport's rising talents, his courage in speaking out against discrimination serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality in football and beyond.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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