Vinicius Jr. not only allegedly suffered racist insults from Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni during Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Benfica, but the Brazilian star also endured racist gestures from young fans in the stands, as seen in the video. Following the alleged insult from Gianluca, the Champions League anti-racism protocol was activated, lasting around 10 minutes and seemingly achieving very little.
Recurring racist incidents raise a deeper question: how can racism truly be eradicated from football if it continues to manifest both on and off the pitch?
When players cross the line, young fans follow
When players engage in heated exchanges that go beyond limits, or when role models fail to set the right example, fans, especially younger ones may feel emboldened. If idols normalize disrespect, it becomes easier for supporters to imitate it. This dynamic became evident when some young Benfica fans made unacceptable gestures, a problem that has been repeated across European stadiums.
Sanctions, stadium bans and financial penalties are necessary. Anti-racism protocols are important. Public statements from governing bodies matter. But none of these measures has truly succeeded in eradicating the problem. Racism must be addressed within families, communities and social structures. Football reflects society.
Real change must begin at the foundation: education at home, early teaching of values and consistent accountability. Clubs and federations can punish behavior, and they must become far more decisive and uncompromising even if it leads to significant financial losses. If respect and equality are not instilled at that fundamental level in families, schools and communities, stadiums will continue to mirror society’s unresolved tensions.
For Vinícius Júnior, this was a night to forget a humiliating experience in which he faced racist insults from multiple directions. Although the incident drew attention and sparked public discussion, for now, little appears to have changed. The football world awaits the outcome of the investigation to determine potential punishment and whether anything will truly be different.
Is there a real way to eradicate racism from football?
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