This is part of the online version of this Tuesday’s edition (31) of Jamil Chad’s newsletter. In his full subscriber-only newsletter, the columnist also writes about the relationship between football and politics on the global stage, such as Bahrain’s failed attempt to buy Milan and UEFA’s decision to avoid conflicts between Ukrainians and Belarusians. Click here to receive the newsletter and access the full content.
Dear Vinicius,
While talking to one of the greatest representatives of our culture a few days ago, we came to the conclusion that we will support Liverpool in the Champions League final, not Real Madrid. After all, how to support a team that has been linked to Francoism in the past? But a word of caution: If Merengues wins with a goal from Vinícius Jr, we will not object.
And so it happened. You have suspended the time of millions of hearts falling in love with the most fascinating sport ever conceived.
In the stands before a king in Paris, in a field among men in Rome, or in São Gonçalo, where you come from, your name echoes across the continents, as if there were no walls to limit your influence. At 21, the world is at your feet. That’s why I’m writing you an appeal in the form of this letter.
Contrary to the old adage that asks our children which world to leave, the real question is another: Which children are we going to leave into the world?
And you can help shape a new generation. You are the new benchmark for millions of children. Each of your passes will be copied and rehearsed for extinction by kids in Senegal, Switzerland or Manaus. Every statement you choose to make will be copied and taken as inspiration. Your feet are no longer just scoring goals. They can contribute to changing the world, Vini.
I refuse to see the stadium as just a place of entertainment. It is a board that appeals to the violence of hope, dreams and even society.
Therefore, there is no reason to think that sport cannot be a means of promoting social justice and humanistic values. Having lunch with Ban Ki Moon, then UN Secretary-General, he told me: A message of peace, support for refugees, or defense of nature at the opening of the Olympics has a far greater impact than any campaign organized by the Olympics. UN to convince the public about these values.
Voices will quickly emerge warning Vini that sport cannot be polluted by political issues. But those who defend this thesis are the same people who do not want their inherited privileges to be questioned.”
I will also be asked: Is it fair to ask all this from a young player?
But then I answer: Is not speaking out in the face of injustice, racist or homophobic acts just being silent or a political act? We can build a stadium to be used as a political platform for the local elite, but can’t we use its stands to fight for equality?
If your dribbles and image can be used by capitalism to sell cars, underwear, deodorant, watches and dreams, why not promote the subversive idea of the right to life, food and education?
In an age where we see the foundations of civilization crumbling rapidly, how long should we wait for men to grow up to be men?
Don’t talk to me about the need to keep politics out of the camps. It already exists and serves the interests of those who control the game, those who dictate the rules, those who choose football as MPs, councilors or mayors.
As with reggae and other art forms, the struggle for rights is allowed to occupy all spaces. Non-stop. And football – global, popular and irresistible – would be much more than a sport. In essence, this would be an act of resistance against barbarism.
You rocked it this season. I have no doubt that a future full of achievements and goal tables awaits you. But one purpose of your letter will be the one that makes consciences literate, that conquers citizenship. Depending on the option you choose for your career, you won’t just be rocking the stands. But the collective unconscious and power structures.
My objection is that you break the comfortable silence of many players who keep their heads down and sweat tears of past pain and sacrifice so as not to become a problem for Vini, the club or the sponsor. . Athletes who lie to themselves and are discouraged by the wrath of a Mohammed Ali reiterate that they have never been the target of racism and do not condemn the inhumane economic regime that marked their childhood.
We all know that the difference between some of the greatest footballers of all time and the greatest athlete of the 20th century is not the number of titles. But the attitude towards humanity and its oppressed brothers.
Vini, I’m not asking you to join a party or start a revolution. Using only your body, your uniform, your energy and your goals, send a message to the children that democracy must be defended, that anger cannot come only in an unmarked moment of punishment, that the unity of supporters can be unity for dignity. She said that racism is unacceptable and that defending the rights of every girl is the guarantee of a fairer society.
If you choose to play only football, the trophies are yours. And as in the past days, we will give you a standing ovation.
Now, if you choose to make a difference in a society that lacks leaders, the conquest will be for the millions of children who not only dream of a future but build it.
Democratic greetings.
jamil
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source: Noticias
