Vinicius, Saka, others — 10 footballers who have faced racial abuse

2026-02-18 - 12:26

By Enitan Abdultawab Racial abuse and slurs remain a troubling issue in world football, with high-profile players repeatedly targeted both on and off the pitch. From stadium chants to online attacks, these incidents highlight the ongoing struggle to eliminate racism from the game. 1. Vinícius Júnior Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has been one of the most visible victims of racial abuse in recent years. In a recent UEFA Champions League playoff against Benfica, he accused opponent Gianluca Prestianni of directing a racist slur at him after scoring, prompting the match to be halted under FIFA’s anti-racism protocol. Prestianni denied the allegation. Vinícius has also faced repeated racist chants and abuse from fans during his time in Spain, with multiple cases resulting in rare criminal convictions, including suspended prison sentences for offenders after incidents of racist chanting in 2022 and beyond. 2. Bukayo Saka England international Bukayo Saka was targeted with racist abuse on social media after missing a penalty in the UEFA Euro 2020 final. The barrage of hateful messages, including racial slurs, led to arrests and widespread condemnation from football authorities and public figures. The incident underscored how online platforms can amplify racist attacks on Black players. 3. Marcus Rashford Like Saka, Rashford was subjected to a wave of racially charged insults following England’s penalty shootout defeat in the Euro 2020 final. The abuse ranged from derogatory comments to racial slurs on social media, prompting the English Football Association and national leaders to condemn the behaviour and call for stronger action against online racism. 4. Jadon Sancho Sancho, another member of England’s Euro 2020 squad, also faced racist abuse in the aftermath of the final. Social media platforms were flooded with offensive messages that drew criticism from football officials and campaigns against discrimination, highlighting how players can be attacked simply for representing their country. 5. Joe Willock Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock was recently subjected to racist abuse and threats on Instagram following a Premier League victory, with messages including offensive racial language and violent threats targeted at him and his family. Newcastle United condemned the abuse and called on law enforcement and social media platforms to take action. 6. Mike Maignan French and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has publicly spoken out after suffering racist abuse from fans in an Italian league match. He called on football authorities and supporters to take stronger action, arguing that symbolic gestures are insufficient without real consequences for those engaging in racially motivated behaviour. 7. Kalidou Koulibaly During his time with Napoli, Koulibaly was subjected to racist chants from Lazio supporters in a Serie A match, leading to sanctions against the club. The defender later described the incident as a stark example of racism in football, prompting further debate on how governing bodies enforce anti-racism policies. 8. Glen Kamara While playing for Rangers, Kamara experienced racist taunts from an opponent during a Europa League match, leading to an official investigation and disciplinary action against the opposing player. The case highlighted the impact of racial abuse on players and the importance of cross-club solidarity against discrimination. 9. Raheem Sterling Sterling has also been the target of racially insensitive remarks during his career, including when an ex-Norwich City sporting director made stereotypical comments about Black players that were widely condemned as racist. Sterling and fellow players publicly spoke out against such comments, reinforcing calls for respect and equality in the sport. 10. Mario Balotelli Former Italy international Mario Balotelli recently revealed that he was racially abused while playing in the United Arab Emirates, with taunts referencing racist stereotypes. Balotelli condemned the abuse on social media, saying it had no place in football or society and calling for greater awareness to prevent similar incidents. Vanguard News