.png)
Valencia CF have publicly challenged Netflix over what they claim is a misrepresentation in the streaming platform’s newly released documentary on Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, arguing that part of the film contains inaccuracies about a 2023 match and unfairly portrays their fanbase.
The documentary, titled "Vini Jr." and released globally on May 15, centers around the Brazilian star's professional and personal journey, with a particular emphasis on the events of 2024. However, it also revisits a controversial incident during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Valencia at Mestalla on May 21, 2023.
A key segment in the film uses mobile footage from the stands and includes a TikTok video in which Valencia fans appear to be directing chants at Vinícius Jr. The subtitles in the documentary transcribe the chant as “mono” (monkey), a term with racial connotations, rather than “tonto” (fool) — a distinction that has sparked strong objection from Valencia.
In response, the club issued a formal statement and request to Netflix for a correction. “As a response to injustice and falsehoods made towards the Valencia CF fanbase, the club have made a demand in writing to the producers of the documentary regarding their portrayal of what occurred at Mestalla, which does not correspond with reality. Truth and respect for our fans must prevail. Valencia CF reserve the right to legal action corresponding to the situation. #RESPECT,” the statement read.
The confrontation at Mestalla, which led Vinícius to point out individuals in the stands and prompted referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea to temporarily suspend the match under La Liga’s anti-racism protocol, became a pivotal moment in Spain’s conversation around racism in football. The stadium announcer warned fans that continued racist abuse would lead to match abandonment. Vinícius was later sent off after an altercation with Valencia’s Hugo Duro in stoppage time.
Following the match, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti initially stated that “the whole stadium” had abused Vinícius. Valencia contested this claim, attributing the confusion to a misunderstanding between “mono” and “tonto.” Ancelotti later acknowledged the error.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) launched an investigation that confirmed Vinícius had been subjected to racist abuse, including by fans outside the stadium before kick-off. Valencia were fined €45,000 — the largest sanction of its kind in Spain at the time — and were required to close the Mario Kempes stand for five matches, later reduced to three on appeal.
Criminal proceedings followed. With Valencia’s cooperation, three fans were identified, charged, and ultimately sentenced to eight months in prison in June 2024 — marking the first time Spain issued custodial sentences for racist behavior inside a football stadium.
Despite this, Valencia insist that the documentary’s portrayal is misleading in suggesting the abuse was widespread.
The film, produced by Brazilian studio Conspiração, emphasizes Vinícius’ growing role as a symbol in the fight against racism. “The film revisits the events of 2024, when the Brazilian star battled injuries and rose as a powerful voice against racism in stadiums,” Netflix said in promotional material.
As global audiences stream Vini Jr., the controversy underscores ongoing sensitivities around how racism in football is reported and remembered — and the extent to which clubs are willing to defend their reputation.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Joaquin Carfagna, Pixabay / jorono
