Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has responded to teammate Vinicius Junior’s suggestion that Spain should lose its 2030 World Cup hosting rights due to racism concerns.
Vinicius, who has faced racial ab_se, argued that Spain must take action against racism to deserve hosting the tournament.
However, Carvajal, a Spain international, defended his country, acknowledging that while racism exists, it’s perpetrated by a small minority and doesn’t represent Spain’s values.
At a press conference, Carvajal highlighted Spain’s cultural diversity and emphasized that the country is not inherently racist.
He sought to balance acknowledging the problem of racism while also protecting Spain’s reputation.
Carvajal’s response aimed to calm the controversy sparked by Vinicius’ comments, which were meant to pressure Spain into addressing racism rather than a personal attack on the country.
“Spain is a country with rich cultural diversity, and we should not be doubting whether it is racist because of the actions of a few,” he said, as quoted by Metro.
The defender also shared a personal perspective, noting that he grew up in a multicultural neighbourhood in Leganés, surrounded by people of different nationalities.
This background, he said, shaped his view that Spain is far from a racist nation.
“I grew up in a neighbourhood in Leganés surrounded by many nationalities, and I can proudly say that we are not a racist country.”
Carvajal made it clear that both he and his Real Madrid teammates fully support Vinicius in his fight against racism.
“We, as his teammates and the coach, are firmly against any form of racism in stadiums. It’s something that concerns all of us,” Carvajal explained.
