MADRID — Brazil forward Rodrygo is the latest Black soccer player to become the target of racist abuse on social media.
The barrage of hate aimed at Rodrygo came following the World Cup qualifying game against Argentina on Tuesday. Rodrygo and Argentina players Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul had a spat on the field, and unruly fans had to be restrained by police and security guards at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro during the game. Argentina won the match 1-0.
Rodrygo’s Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Júnior has also been the frequent target of racist insults.
-More about the incident and racism in soccer.-
J.E. Stone is a contributing blogger and sports fanatic who covers daily news, and explores the intersections of pop culture and professional sports. NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA, MLS, MMA, UFC, WWE, AEW… virtually no three-letter sports brand is safe. He’s also a gamer who will take any challenge. Follow him on Discord.