Man arrested for racist insults against Vinícius Jr. at Madrid stadium

Spanish police have arrested a 27-year-old man suspected of inciting hatred for directing racist insults at Real Madrid player Vinícius Jr. The incident took place outside the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on April 14, prior to a Champions League match.

The suspect allegedly called the Brazilian footballer, who was not playing in the game, a "monkey" and a "chimpanzee." Brazilian television captured the insults, and the footage was later shared on social media. The investigation, led by the Provincial Information Brigade of Madrid with assistance from Valencia, resulted in the arrest on May 28.

This is not the first time Vinícius Jr. has faced racist abuse. He has publicly denounced such incidents on numerous occasions since 2024. In a significant legal development, the first judicial conviction for racism in Spanish football occurred in June 2024, when three fans were found guilty of insulting Vinícius during a match between Valencia and Real Madrid at Mestalla stadium.