Frank Christian
Vinicius Junior, a standout talent for Real Madrid, frequently finds himself at the center of controversy. The young Brazilian winger has been subjected to racial abuse and has also received criticism for his behavior during matches.
Recently, Vanderlei Luxemburgo, a former coach for both Real Madrid and Brazil, shared his thoughts, claiming that Vinicius may be contributing to the negative attention he receives.
The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the leading players globally, captivating audiences with his speed, technique, and proficiency in scoring.
Nevertheless, his aggressive demeanor on the field has drawn considerable criticism. Luxemburgo, who previously managed Real Madrid in 2004 and had two stints with the Brazilian national team, suggests that Vinicius bears some responsibility for his unfavorable portrayal.
During an appearance on the show Benja Me Mucho, Luxemburgo stated, “I think he provokes a lot of the persecution he suffers by doing things he shouldn’t do.” He remarked on Vinicius’ inclination to retaliate against opponents who challenge him.
“When Vini is fouled, he reacts and retaliates against the player as though receiving a foul is completely unacceptable in football… Think about the challenges faced by Pele and Zico. Vini seems to take these challenges personally as if his race is the reason for the targeting,” he elaborated.
Impact of Racism on Vinicius’ Ballon d’Or Prospects?
This critique comes on the heels of Vinicius not being awarded the 2024 Ballon d’Or, which caught many by surprise as he was considered a leading candidate.
Rodri from Manchester City took home the prestigious award, prompting fans and representatives of Vinicius to speculate whether racial bias influenced the decision.
However, Luxemburgo does not support this theory. “No, it has nothing to do with racism,” he asserted. He emphasized that racism in football is an issue approached differently, indicating that Vinicius’ absence from the Ballon d’Or accolades is not connected to the racial discrimination he endures.
Despite the struggles he confronts, Vinicius remains a critical player for both his club and the national team. With Brazil set to play World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Uruguay on November 14 and 19, he is ready to showcase his abilities and reinforce his status as an elite international player.
After these qualifiers, he will return to La Liga as Real Madrid faces Leganes on November 24.
Although Luxemburgo’s remarks contribute to the ongoing discourse about Vinicius’ conduct, his dedication to performing at a high level on the pitch remains unwavering.
