In a recent Spanish television discussion about the 22-year-old Real Madrid forward Mr. Vinicius Jr, his agent, Mr. Pedro Bravo had remarked that, “In Spain you have to respect your opponents and stop playing monkey”.

Mr. Bravo’s statement prompted widespread racist abuse to which the agent apologized on Twitter, saying he had misused a metaphor.

The Brazil international, who has scored five goals in eight games so far this season for the European champions, pointed out that he was far from the first player to dance in celebration and listed other stars who have performed similarly.

“Weeks ago, some people started to criticize my dancing. But the dancing is not mine alone, they belong to Ronaldinho, Neymar, [Lucas] Paqueta, [Antoine] Griezmann, Joao Felix, Matheus Cunha… Brazilian funk singers and samba dancers, Latin reggaeton singers, Black Americans.” Mr. Vinicius observed.

“Accept it, respect it. In any case, I will not stop, they dance to celebrate the cultural diversity of the world. They say that happiness bothers. The happiness of a black Brazilian being successful in Europe bothers much more. But my will to win, my smile and the sparkle in my eyes are much bigger than that.”  added Mr. Vincius.

Brazilian team-mate Mr. Neymar, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, posted a picture of the pair dancing. Mr. Vinicius was supported by his club and country, team-mates and opponents alike.

“Dribble, dance and be you! Happy just the way you are. Go for it my boy, next goal we dance,” Mr. Neymar wrote.

The Brazilian Football Federation called for “dancing, dribbling, above all” in a statement of solidarity.

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