Vinicius Junior accused of ‘provoking persecution’ as ex-Real Madrid manager insists 2024 Ballon d’Or snub had ‘nothing to do with racism’

“I think he provokes a lot of the persecution he suffers by doing things he shouldn’t do,” he said on the Benja Me Mucho, before criticising the winger for the way he reacts to challenges from opponents. “Vini receives a blow, he gets up and attacks the opposing player as if you couldn’t receive a blow in football… Imagine Pele, the number of blows he received. Zico, the same. Vini gets annoyed at receiving blows as if it were a persecution linked to the fact that he is black.”

The Brazil star has been in a long fight against racism in Spain as opposing fans have repeatedly racially abused him. The Brazil international was regarded as the favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or but ended up losing out to Rodri, and it has been reported that his representatives believe race played a role in the upset. Asked about that possibility, Luxemburgo said: “No, it has nothing to do with racism. Racism in football is treated in a very different way.”

Vinicius will hope to be involved when Brazil come up against Venezuela and Uruguay in World Cup qualifying on November 14 and 19, respectively. He is then due to line up for Real Madrid again in a La Liga clash against Leganes on November 24.