On May 15, the desired documentary ‘Baila, Vini’ premieres on Netflix. A production that not only reviews Vinícius Jr.'s soccer career but elevates him as a global standard-bearer in the fight against racism. With an underlying message: Spain is racist, and he is its great victim.
Vinícius is presented as a misunderstood hero, who is demanded to remain silent while being provoked. "I'm not paid to be nice, but to score goals," he says emphatically. His story becomes a plea against a system that, according to him, didn't protect him.
The documentary includes testimonies from Bellingham ("He's one of the best in the world") or Benzema ("For me, number 1").
All aim to exalt Vinícius's figure, ignoring any details about his irregular behavior on the field.
The Series Aims to Offer a Racist Image of Spain
One of the key pieces of the footage is the Mestalla episode, where one of the darkest moments in Spanish soccer was experienced.
The documentary captures the racist insults received by the Brazilian, the player's reaction, his expulsion... And also the subsequent conviction of the culprits: eight months in prison.
The message is clear: "Spain has a problem with racism."
Netflix could no longer access Mestalla, as it intended. Valencia vetoed the production company after requesting images of the stadium and interviews with players.
The conflict, far from being closed, remains open. In Valencia, they understood that the production company was seeking sensationalism and blood against Vinícius and prohibited the entry of cameras.
Vinícius, on the other hand, bids farewell with a smile, a message, and a dance: "I'm not going to stop dancing." Neymar closes the documentary with a phrase that sums up the project's intention: "What can we do, besides fighting like Vini?"
CLÁSICO | Lamine Yamal y a otros jugadores del Barcelona reciben insultos racistas en el Bernabéu
Because It Was Vinícius...
Vinícius accused Spain of being racist, three spectators were identified at Mestalla, they were punished with 8 months in prison, a financial fine, and two years of banishment from the fields.
Because it was Vinícius. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are still waiting for punishment six months later for the Bernabéu fans who shouted racist insults at them.
The documentary leaves no room for debate. There is no self-criticism or context on how the player might fail to be disliked everywhere.
Nor do they ask why in a team full of black players, only one generates rejection. Maybe it's not a matter of racism.
The focus is on the complaint, the drama, and the confrontation. And that, like it or not, will mark another crack in Spain's image worldwide.