The racism against Vinícius Júnior and the people who embolden it
Real Madrid left winger Vinícius Júnior is one of the best players in LaLiga. His skill, dedication to his craft, and relentless determination on the pitch make him one of the most exciting and influential players in world football. But the ugliness of racism threatens to rob us of the joy of watching Vini Jr. at his most confident, effervescent best. All the while, the Spanish media and federation itself sit idly by or, worse yet, help fan the flames of the racism he faces.
There is something about Vinícius Júnior that threatens the most insecure people. Watching a young, successful Black man enjoy his football and his life is, apparently, so threatening to droves of Spanish football fans - and those abroad online who engage in this behavior or defend it - that the Brazilian forward is...