Former Brazil and Real Madrid manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo has said Vinicius Jr.’s on-pitch conduct provokes persecution from opponents and opposition fans. He also stated Vinicius Jr.’s Ballon d’Or defeat had nothing to do with racism.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. is one of the best players in the world. He delivers week in and week out, helping Los Blancos to crucial wins and the most sought-after trophies. Although his talent and ability are beyond doubt, he does not enjoy a spotless reputation in the media, with many criticizing his behavior on the pitch.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo Says Real Madrid Ace Vinicius Jr. Is a Victim of His Own Provocation
Luxemburgo, who coached Real Madrid between January and December 2005, is not a big fan of his countryman’s on-pitch manners. In an interview with Benja Me Mucho, he said (via GOAL):
“I think he provokes a lot of the persecution he suffers by doing things he shouldn’t do.
“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.”
Luxemburgo Insists Racism Did Not Cost Vinicius Jr. the Ballon d’Or
Having endured racial abuse throughout his career, Vinicius Jr. has become one of the most vocal advocates in the fight against racism. The former Flamengo man recently highlighted the acts of racism he had endured across Spain and said the country was not fit to host the FIFA World Cup in 2030, calling for immediate change.
Vinicius Jr., who helped Real Madrid to La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana in the 2023-24 season, was the outright favorite to win the Ballon d’Or on October 28. However, the award went to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Members of Vinicius Jr.’s entourage believe the color of the Brazilian’s skin contributed to the upset. Luxemburgo, however, disagrees.
When asked whether race played a part in Vinicius Jr.’s Ballon d’Or snub, the former manager said:
“No, it has nothing to do with racism. Racism in football is treated in a very different way.”
It was a close contest between Rodri and Vinicius Jr. The midfielder ultimately nicked the win by just 41 points.
