Roberto Assaf: Golden Ball Murcha

It is well known that Franco, at the cost of much repression, without stopping at anything, brought Spain to another level on the continent. From an economical point of view. But if it hadn’t been for the football played by Di Stefano’s Real Madrid, the so-called improvements, in a time far from today’s electronic paraphernalia, would not have had the same impact.

Deflated Golden Ball

Times, there and here, have changed. But deeply rooted and particularly absurd concepts, such as authoritarianism, machismo and racism, ultimately remain at large. After learning that Vinícius Júnior – favorite – would not receive the Ballon d’Or, he decided to cancel the trophy ceremony. Celebration took place in Paris under obvious embarrassment, due to the absence of important personalities. And in the shadow of the prejudices that prevented the Brazilian striker – essentially black – from winning the first prize.

Perhaps Real Madrid wants, with this act, to erase or disguise its history. And offer your solidarity to your champion.

But the abhorrent habit of segregation, which FIFA itself often ensures it effectively condemns, has once again manifested itself on a global network.

It is extremely tiring to criticize this abject behavior, but whenever the fact manifests itself, it is essential to fight it, regardless of the event or event – individual or collective – as Monday’s ceremony in Paris highlighted.

And what was most surprising, and what would also be enough to outrage anyone, was the presence of blacks who – for better or for worse – participated in the puppet theater. What’s worse is that next year, who knows, there will be more. And this is all, as said, “for this reason”.

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