Watch VideoMore than a game, less than a human: How sport fails its black icons from Madrid to Johannesburg

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior took a stand against alleged racial abuse during their Champions League clash with Benfica. From Madrid to Johannesburg, black athletes continue to face disproportionate scrutiny and hostility. Photo: AFP Real Madrid’s Uefa Champions League win over Benfica on Tuesday night was momentarily suspended whenVinicius Juniorrefused to continue playing after his decisive goal.

Five minutes into the second half, Vinicius had fired the visitors ahead, only for his corner-flag celebration to draw a yellow card from referee Francois Letexier. Moments later, hetold the referee that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni had called him a “monkey,”andwalked off the pitch. The Champions League play-off first leg was paused for 10 minutes, in line with Uefa protocols.

The 20-year-old Argentine midfielder, who covered his mouth with his shirt as he appeared to say something to Vinicius, denies racially abusing the 25-year-old Real Madrid star. When play resumed, Vinicius returned looking visibly upset and continued to be booed by the home crowd. The fallout highlights a familiar pattern: instead of focusing on the alleged abuse, attention often shifts to the victim’s behaviour.

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Vinicius’ celebration became the focus in this case. England football legend Wayne Rooney defended the Brazilian, insisting players have every right to celebrate freely. That tension – recognising systemic prejudice versus trivialising it as rivalry – mirrors a broader struggle in society.

For Vinicius at Real Madrid, this is far from an isolated episode. He has endured repeated racist incidents in Spain, prompting fines, partial stadium closures and official condemnations. In January 2023, Atletico fans hung an effigy of Vinicius from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground.

Four months later Vinicius squared off with fans abusing him at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium. The incident gained him worldwide support in his battle against racism. Yet, enforcement alone has failed to change the prevailing culture.

Football is not unique in this regard. During the recent Six Nations, Ireland forward Edwin Edogbo was subjected to racist abuse while on international duty. It is proof that racism knows no sporting boundaries.

Across codes, black athletes remain disproportionately targeted, especially when occupying visible or symbolic roles. These incidents unfold against rising right-wing movements across Europe, where national identity, immigration and cultural “ownership” dominate public discourse. The confrontational populism associated with Donald Trump has reshaped political rhetoric globally, normalising defiance and aggression in public life.

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