Vinicius Jr. Recognized for Anti-Racism Efforts and Foundation Work

 Vinicius Jr. Recognized for Anti-Racism Efforts and Foundation Work

Vinicius Junior attends the 67th Ballon D'Or Ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet on October 30, 2023 in Paris, France(Image-Getty)

Real Madrid's dynamic winger, Vinicius Jr, remains resolute in his stance against racism in the world of soccer, an endeavor that earned him the Socrates Award at the recent Ballon d'Or ceremony. Despite facing recurrent racial abuse during his LaLiga appearances over the past two seasons, Vinicius received recognition for his off-field efforts, particularly for establishing a foundation dedicated to constructing schools in underprivileged regions and investing in education throughout Brazil.

Expressing his commitment to combating racism, the Brazilian player, honored by the Prince of Monaco, articulated, "It is a very sad thing to talk about racism nowadays, but we have to continue in the fight so that people suffer less. Very happy to receive this award and to help many children in Brazil." Reflecting on his personal journey, he emphasized his desire to provide opportunities for underprivileged children, enabling them to pursue their dreams despite challenging circumstances.

Within the Ballon d'Or rankings, Vinicius was the sole Brazilian within the top 10, a testament to his exceptional performance, having scored 23 goals across various competitions for Real Madrid in the previous season. During the event, he participated in an emotional tribute to the legendary Brazilian football icon, Pele, acknowledging the profound impact and legacy that Pele's achievements have left on the world of football.

Established in 2020, the Vini Jr. Institute aims to leverage football's popularity to foster innovative teaching and learning approaches in Brazilian public schools. With an ambitious vision, the project aims to benefit up to 15 schools and 10,000 students by the end of 2023, while also creating employment opportunities for over 500 teachers.