Vinicius accepts an ambassadorial role with UNESCO.
Vinicius Junior, a Brazilian football player, was named a “goodwill ambassador for education for all” by the UN cultural agency on Friday.
The Real Madrid forward, 23, described his nomination as “more than an honor.” Copyright Thomas COEX / AFP PR
Becoming a representative of UNESCO, according to the 23-year-old forward for Real Madrid, is “more than an honour”.
“It’s a responsibility and a feat that I will always cherish,” he declared during a ceremony held at the team’s Madrid training facility.
“Of course, I want to be recognised as a great player, but also as a citizen who tried to make a difference.”
Vinicius was selected, according to UNESCO Chief Audrey Azoulay, because he was “a committed advocate for equal opportunity through education in Brazil” in addition to being “an exceptional football player”.
Vinicius, who has been the subject of racist taunts in Spain on multiple occasions, has turned into
a pioneer in the battle against racism in sports.
According to UNESCO, he founded the Instituto Vini Jr. in 2021 to assist Brazilian kids and teenagers from impoverished neighborhoods in returning to school.
In acknowledgment of his humanitarian efforts, Vinicius received the Socrates award, named after the legendary Brazil football player, last year and placed sixth in the Ballon d’Or vote.
He was a teenager at Brazilian club Flamengo when he signed a 45 million euro contract with Real Madrid, and he will play for the Spanish team until 2027.
According to UNESCO estimates, 250 million children and teens lack access to education, and social inequality is a major contributing factor in their school dropout rates.
© 2024 AFP