As one descends into Madrid’s international airport when the sun is high, their attention is invariably drawn to a verdant patch enveloped within a network of highways and seemingly infinite stretches of barren land. This green haven, located on the city’s outskirts, is none other than Ciudad Real Madrid, the stomping grounds of European soccer royalty. This expanse, almost triple the size of the Vatican City, oozes the vibe of a space mission centre while being cordoned off by towering fencing and vigilant security personnel.
In the first month of 2023, preceding a local Madrid match, a group of four radical Atletico Madrid followers infiltrated Ciudad Real Madrid under cover of darkness. They proceeded to suspend a mannequin representing Real Madrid’s leading player, Vinícius Júnior, from a neighbouring motorway viaduct. The vision of a black mannequin suspended by a chokehold was deeply disturbing.
Over the previous two seasons, Vinícius had been the focus of numerous racist assaults within Spanish football arenas. La Liga has reported in excess of twelve such “hate crimes” to the country’s attorney general’s office. A particularly deplorable episode occurred during a Madrid game at Atletico’s home ground in September 2022 where spectators outside the ground jeered “Vinícius, you’re a monkey!”, accompanied by simian noises.
Fast forward three months and this case was being ruled upon in a Madrid courtroom. In a controversial decision, the judge dismissed the case, citing the brevity of the incident and its occurrence “within the context of football rivalry” as justifications for the racial disparagement.
This conciliatory attitude toward racism seemingly mirrors the broader sentiment across Spain where casual racism often goes unchecked. This is exemplified when audiences don’t even flinch at football analysts referring to AS Roma’s prominent striker Romelu Lukaku as “King Kong”.
A point of contention within the Spanish football fraternity centres on whether Vinícius invites such racial aggression due to his ostentatious performance style. Some insinuate that his over-the-top sporting demeanour, his wide infectious smile, and his deliberate taunts aimed at opposing players and crowd may make him more of a target.
A significant incident occurred during the rather heated and irrational national argument during El Chiringuito, a Spanish prime-time television football panel show. Pedro Bravo, a football agent who features as a panelist on the show, admonished Vinícius to stop performing samba dances after scoring goals. He counseled, “If you’re keen to dance the samba, do so at the Sambadrome in Brazil. Over here, it’s essential to show respect for your peers. Refrain from behaving like a monkey.”
Vinícius’s constant exposure to racial provocation has undeniably affected him. In response to the racial attacks against him, football leagues from Brazil and Spain set up a friendly match in Madrid in March of the previous year. The day before the match, Vinicius – who until now has only once addressed the media regarding racial issues besides social media posts – held a press conference at Ciudad Real Madrid, not far from the bridge where a life-sized dummy of him had been suspended previously. Here, he spoke to an audience of over 100 media professionals.
During the course of the 40-minute press conference, Vinícius fielded several questions. He expressed his frustration at the absence of penalties, referring to the fact that while racism is deemed a crime in Brazil, La Liga is unable to penalize racist supporters as it is not recognized as a criminal offense in Spain. La Liga is only able to forward such instances to public prosecutors.
On three separate occasions, Vinícius was moved to tears. The incessant racial slurs are extracting his vigour and lessening his enthusiasm for the game. He confessed that the sole reason keeping him from departing La Liga is the gratification it would provide to the racists. His intention is not to witness their victory. The last time he was moved to tears, it appeared that he could no longer continue, which led to a round of applause in the room. Struggling to contain his tears, he apologized: “Forgive me, I simply wish to play football.”
Fortunately, Vinícius persists with his football career, astonishing viewers with his exceptional speed and the ability to cause defenders to fall with his deceptive maneuvers. Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich will likely remain haunted by memories of Vinícius sprinting towards him in the intense 2-1 victory of Real Madrid at Bernabéu in the Champions League semi-final.
Raised in a working-class area of Rio de Janeiro, Vinícius was once a humble football player used to second-hand boots. His life dramatically transformed when Real Madrid signed him in the summer of 2018, securing the transfer with a record fee for a young footballer rumoured to be around €45 million.
This move placed Vinícius under significant pressure: Not only was he joining a hugely successful team, fresh from a third consecutive Champions League win, but he was also arriving at a time of upheaval for the club. Key figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Zinedine Zidane had left, and under President Florentino Pérez, three different coaches were appointed within one trophyless season.
Vinícius, at only 18 and with his dynamic wing play and lively personality, provided a glimmer of hope to the disheartened supporters. His style stood in stark contrast to that of the frequently injured and often-somber Gareth Bale, earning him significant popularity among fans. However, his weak finishing skills drew derision, earning him the unflattering moniker “Ficticious” in Spanish football circles. Even though his goals were infrequent and frequently attributable to luck rather than skill, his play teetered between brilliance and mockery.
In a significant low moment for Vinícius in October 2020, a recording surfaced of his Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, discouraging Ferland Mendy from passing the ball to him during a match against Borussia Mönchengladbach. This incident became a viral sensation and highlighted Vinícius’s struggle.
However, the reappointment of coach Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid in 2021 heralded a change of fortune for Vinícius. Opposite to his predecessor, Zidane who never fully endorsed him, Ancelotti savoured Vinícius’s talent and made him an essential part of the team. Ancelotti worked closely with him during training sessions, advised him to take fewer touches near the goal, and encouraged more immediate shooting.
Under Ancelotti’s guidance, Vinícius flourished. He transformed dramatically, evolution evident in his move from securing just three goals in one league season to 17 and increasing his assists from three to 10. Vinícius’s arc proved that he could truly command the pitch.
The 2021-22 season witnessed Vinícius scoring the decisive goal against Liverpool in the Paris-based Champions League final, showcasing his prowess in key matches, unlike fellow footballer Erling Haaland of his age. An incredible feat that should not go unnoticed is Vinícius’ impressive record of netting goals in the Champions League semi-final for three consecutive seasons. During the first leg of this season’s semi-final at the Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich, he managed a double score, including a confident penalty shot towards the later part of the second half. This saved Real Madrid from being knocked out of the competition.
The announcement of Vinícius’ name in Real Madrid’s starting lineup at the Bernabéu is always the concluding one, a mark of utmost respect (an honour given to Bellingham earlier during the season). Vinícius seems to always draw the loudest cheers. A recurrent chant at the historic stadium during games is “Vinícius, Ballon d’Or!”
Following a recovery from a hamstring injury which had him off the field for two months, Vinícius has worked his way up the Ballon d’Or running, overtaking both Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. He poses a considerable threat during games, and clinching a goal in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund might secure him the prestigious prize.
Going Back in Time
In 1966, Paco Gento of Real Madrid stood unmatched as the sole player to claim six European Cups. If Real Madrid claims victory at Wembley, four other members of the club would join him in sharing the record.
Toni Kroos
This 34-year-old midfield maestro is getting ready for a grand exit. He will play his final professional club match at Wembley, before retiring after the 2024 Euro event which will be held in Germany, his home country. Fondly known as Real Madrid’s “quiet galáctico”, Kroos, hailed as the best signing by club president Florentino Pérez, has his unique chant echoing in the Bernabéu stands: a low, resonant “TO-NI, TO-NI. KROOS! KROOS!”
Luka Modrić
It seems almost comical now that readers of Marca, Spain’s most widely read newspaper, voted Luka Modrić as the “worst signing of the year” in 2012. Fast forward to twelve years later, and not only is there a proposal to extend his contract for the upcoming season, despite nearing 39 in September, but he’s also arguably the finest midfielder in football this century.
Regarding Nacho Fernández, a critical evening looms for the 34-year-old, potentially marking his final performance for the outfit he’s been a part of since childhood. If we look back at 2018, he made a single appearance in a Champions League final as a substitute, but this time in Wembley, he will lead the team. His recent impressive performances have even resulted in a call-up to Spain’s provisional squad for Euro 2024.
Turning our attention to Dani Carvajal, greatness was always anticipated for Real Madrid’s right back. When only 12 years old, Carvajal, now 32, was chosen from Real Madrid’s youth academy, La Fábrica, to lay the first stone at Ciudad Real Madrid, alongside the honorary president of the club, Alfredo di Stéfano. As someone who reliably steps up during crucial periods of the season, he remains one of the most formidable competitors in the squad.