Vinícius's eight-year journey at Real Madrid shadowed by 20 Racism allegations

For eight years at Real Madrid, Vinícius Júnior has dazzled with moments of genius.

Yet his time in Spain has also been scarred by repeated allegations of racist abuse — 20 incidents, by his count, the latest unfolding on Tuesday night in Lisbon.

At the Estadio da Luz, Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off against Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinícius reported alleged racist abuse.

The accusation centres on Benfica’s Argentine midfielder Gianluca Prestianni, who denies the claim.

Vinícius received strong backing from team-mates, notably Kylian Mbappe, who said he heard a racist term used five times.

The controversy overshadowed what should have been the headline: A spectacular goal from the 25-year-old Brazilian.

Instead of celebrating artistry, football once again found itself grappling with allegations, denials and a familiar debate about responsibility.

After the match, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho suggested Vinícius had provoked the situation, arguing that great talents must celebrate “in a respectful way.”

He also claimed Benfica could not be racist because its greatest-ever player, Eusebio, was Black.

The remarks sparked criticism and reflected a wider narrative often heard in Spain and Portugal: Yes, he is insulted, but he should behave better.

For many observers, that argument misses the point. Vinícius’ confrontations with crowds are frequently framed as arrogance.

Supporters counter that his reactions stem from years of hostility — a defensive posture developed in a deeply uncomfortable environment.

The record of incidents is long and troubling. In October 2021, during a Clasico at Camp Nou, a fan shouted racist abuse as Vinícius was substituted; The case was closed when the perpetrator could not be identified. 

In March 2022, Mallorca supporters directed monkey chants and told him to “go pick bananas.” Authorities described the abuse as “despicable” but not criminally significant.

Television pundit Pedro Bravo later said Vinícius should “stop acting like a monkey,” comments he apologised for, claiming metaphorical intent.

In September 2022, fans of Atletico Madrid were filmed chanting racist abuse outside their stadium; Prosecutors did not press charges.

Matters escalated in January 2023 when a mannequin wearing Vinícius’ shirt was hung from a bridge.

Four members of the Frente Atletico supporters’ group received prison sentences — later commuted to fines and restraining orders.

A significant legal breakthrough came in June 2024, when three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison and handed two-year stadium bans for racist abuse at Mestalla in May 2023 — the first conviction of its kind in Spain.

That Valencia match marked a turning point. Vinícius confronted sections of the crowd after being insulted and was later sent off following an altercation with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and forward Hugo Duro.

When he returned months later, he was booed relentlessly. His answer was emphatic: Two goals and a raised fist.

Abuse has continued beyond matchdays. Chants of “Vinícius die” were reported at Osasuna’s stadium.

In September 2024, four people were arrested for allegedly inciting online hate before a Madrid derby.

Even when racism targeted other players — such as during a Copa del Rey tie against Real Sociedad — cameras captured monkey gestures aimed at Vinícius.

Through it all, Vinícius has refused to remain silent. After the Valencia convictions, he wrote that he was not a victim but “an executioner of racists,” insisting the ruling was “for all Black people.”

His stance has transformed him into a global symbol in football’s fight against discrimination — a player determined not just to score spectacular goals, but to force the sport to confront an uglier reality it can no longer ignore.