The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has publicly criticized Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior’s recent statement regarding Spain’s bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. In an interview with CNN, Vinicius expressed his concern about persistent racism in Spanish football, stating that if progress is not made by 2030, Spain should not be awarded hosting rights.
Martínez-Almeida argued that Vinicius’ comments could harm Spain’s chances of hosting the tournament and unfairly portray the country as racist. He acknowledged the existence of racist incidents but emphasized the need to address them collectively. He stated that labeling Spain as a racist society is unjust and unfair to both the country and Madrid.
Vinicius, who has been subjected to numerous racist insults since joining Real Madrid in 2018, has experienced firsthand the issue of racism in Spanish football. Despite the challenges, he expressed his love for living in Madrid and acknowledged that the majority of Spaniards are not racist. However, he believes a small group of individuals has negatively impacted the country’s image.
Vinicius’s comments have sparked a debate about the state of racism in Spanish football. Last year, he received widespread support after enduring racist insults during a Spanish league game in Valencia, leading to calls for greater action against racism. His recent statements highlight the need for continued efforts to combat racism and create a more inclusive environment in the sport.
