Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior Finds Warm Welcome in Morocco Amid Spanish Racism Struggles

"Thank you, Morocco. I saw your passion during the World Cup, but having such fans by my side was something very special. Real Madrid is a global club. We are Africa, Asia and Europe... And world champions!" Vinicius Junior wrote on his Twitter account, after his club’s victory over Al Hilal (5-3) in the final of the Club World Cup in Morocco.

Scorer of a brace and winner of the competition’s Ballon d’Or, the Brazilian striker was celebrated by Moroccan supporters at the end of the match, unlike some Spanish supporters who are used to hurling racist attacks at him in La Liga. On February 7, new racist remarks were made against the Brazilian striker during a match played in Mallorca. The player would have been called a "monkey" by a spectator.

Judicial investigations are underway for several racist incidents that Vinicius Junior has been the target of in recent months. La Liga has already filed six complaints for racist insults, three of which have been rejected, two are pending in the courts of Valladolid and Madrid, cities where the player was insulted by supporters of Racing Valladolid in December and Atlético Madrid in September.