"You are not alone" Drogba tells Vinicius Jr after Socrates award win

Widad October 31, 2023 0

 

Photo: Vini Jr and Didier Drogba. Credit: Getty Images

Didier Drogba, a former star of the Ivory Coast, has assured Vinicius Junior, a forward for Real Madrid, that he is "not alone" in his struggle against racism.

at his stay in Spain, Vinicius has been the target of several incidences of racial abuse. La Liga is currently looking into additional claims that he was the target of racist taunts at this Saturday's El Clasico.

At the 2023 Ballon d'Or presentation on Monday night, Vinicius received the Socrates award in recognition of his off-field achievements.

One of the hosts, former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, stated during the event that Vinicius was not alone and asked the authorities to take further action.

“Thank you Vinicius, you are not alone in this fight,” he said. “It’s been going on for too long, way too long. “I would like to urge football authorities and governments to act. It is time for real action to eradicate racism, not only in stadiums but everywhere in the world. Thank you.”

For his part, Vinicius vowed to carry on fighting. "I will remain strong in the fight against racism," he said.

"It is a very sad thing to talk about racism nowadays, but we have to continue in the fight so that people suffer less.

"I'm very happy to receive this award and to help many children in Brazil. I had little chance of getting where I have, coming from where I came, so it is a pleasure for me to help as many kids as I can so they can have a chance."
A educação liberta e transforma. Desde os 19 anos escolhi investir nela para impactar a sociedade.

Aos 23, recebi o Prêmio Sócrates com o maior orgulho do mundo. O nosso trabalho no @institutovinijr está apenas começando. Espero voltar mais vezes para buscar outros trofeus que… pic.twitter.com/N2nScxlJ52

— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) October 30, 2023