At the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Didier Drogba praised Vinicius Junior for his stance against racism, assuring him that he’s not alone in this battle. Drogba emphasized the need for more significant actions to combat racism.
Vinicius Junior, the Real Madrid forward, has faced racial abuse incidents during his time in Spain, and La Liga is currently investigating new allegations. He was honored at the ceremony with the Socrates award for his off-field contributions.
During the event, former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba spoke up, saying, “Vinicius, you’re not alone in this fight. Racism has persisted for too long, and it’s time for football authorities and governments to take real action, not just in stadiums, but worldwide.”
Vinicius expressed his determination to continue the fight against racism, acknowledging the sadness of still discussing racism today. He’s grateful for the award and aims to support underprivileged children in Brazil, hoping to provide opportunities for them as he had been given.