Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the racist insults aimed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during the Sunday match against Valencia at Mestalla. He called on authorities to step in and take decisive action to protect players from discrimination on the field, underscoring that sport must be a space where talent can thrive without fear.
Speaking with solidarity for Vinícius, Lula described him as a world class talent who has endured repeated abuse. He urged FIFA and other governing bodies to intervene and ensure that racism does not take root in football, stressing that discrimination harms the sport as a whole. The president conveyed these thoughts through his social media channel, highlighting how the issue has a global dimension.
Vinícius has publicly criticized La Liga and certain sections of Spanish football fans for what he calls a persistent, sometimes routine form of racism in the competition after the incidents at Valencia. He chose not to take the field at Mestalla on grounds of safety and dignity, drawing attention to what he views as a broader pattern of abuse affecting players and fans alike.
He stated that the mistreatment was not isolated, describing it as a recurring issue. He argued that racism has become normalized within the league, suggesting that the federation and other stakeholders may not be doing enough to stop it. In his view, the championship that once celebrated the legacies of stars like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano, and Messi now faces a troubling climate where prejudice seems to linger and overshadow the game’s history of excellence.
From Brazil, Vinícius offered a pointed critique of how Spain is viewed internationally. He acknowledged a country that has welcomed him and his family yet challenged the global image projected by some of its fans, arguing that Spain is associated with racist connotations in the eyes of many abroad. He apologized to Spaniards who disagree, but reaffirmed that the perception in Brazil is now deeply marked by race-related tensions.
Javier Tebas, who leads La Liga’s organizing body, urged Vinícius not to let himself be swayed by critics. He encouraged the player to understand the league’s processes and to see the actions of all parties as part of a broad, cooperative effort. Tebas emphasized the need for accurate information and a shared sense of responsibility among stakeholders, framing the situation as a collective challenge rather than a single fault.
The social media exchange followed Vinícius’s call for concrete action and penalties, with Tebas replying to the accusations. The Real Madrid forward criticized Tebas for what he viewed as repeated personal attacks that diverted attention from the core problem. He insisted that the league should address racist behavior rather than ignore it or diminish its impact on those involved.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed deep concern about the atmosphere at Mestalla, calling the episode a serious and unacceptable problem within Spanish football. He described the environment as heated and unsafe for players and staff, recalling a moment when he paused the match to consider whether it was wise to continue. He rejected the idea that Vinícius should step away due to a hostile atmosphere, stressing that the responsibility lay with the league to curb such behavior. Ancelotti underlined that the issue goes beyond a single player and reflects a broader cultural and organizational failure within the competition.
Following the match, La Liga announced it would review all available footage to determine whether hate crimes occurred and to decide on appropriate legal actions if warranted. The league signaled a commitment to accountability as it navigates the delicate dynamics of international sport and national sentiment. The ongoing inquiry mirrors a broader pledge to safeguard the safety and dignity of players across leagues and borders, as fans, clubs, and national bodies wrestle with deeply rooted attitudes about race and identity. [Source attribution: contemporary sports reporting and official statements]