Netflix Documentary on Vinícius Júnior Reopens Debate on Racism in Spanish Football

A new Netflix documentary about Brazilian footballer Vinícius Júnior has sparked fresh conversation around racism in Spanish football, two years after a high-profile incident involving the Real Madrid star at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium.

The documentary features footage of the May 2023 match where Vinícius was subjected to racist abuse from a section of Valencia supporters. The scene shows fans shouting in the stands, with subtitles translating the chants as “mono”—a Spanish word for “monkey.” The film aims to highlight the challenges Black footballers face in Spain and around the world.

While many viewers have praised the documentary for shining a light on racism in football, Valencia CF has taken offense to how the events were portrayed. The club claims the documentary presents the incident in a misleading way, showing a large portion of fans involved in abuse when, according to them, it was only a few individuals.

Valencia has formally demanded that the production company correct what they describe as a misrepresentation of their supporters. The club insists that the crowd was chanting “tonto” (meaning “fool”), not “mono,” and says it is prepared to take legal action if necessary.

Despite the club’s defense, the original incident led to the arrest and conviction of three individuals for racist abuse against Vinícius. They were sentenced to eight months in prison—the first such sentencing in Spanish football history for racism.

The documentary’s release brings renewed focus to the racism problem in European football, particularly in La Liga. Vinícius’s emotional reaction on the pitch, where he briefly refused to continue playing, has become a symbol of resistance and the urgent need for stronger action against hate in the sport.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who supported his player at the time, initially criticized all Valencia fans but later clarified that only a small group was responsible. The broader question now, however, is not just about who said what—but whether Spanish football is doing enough to address systemic racism in stadiums.

As debate over the documentary grows, it highlights a critical tension: between protecting club reputations and confronting uncomfortable truths about racism in the game.