Foot: Vinicius refers to Kaepernick as “a source of inspiration”.

Real Madrid striker Vinicius, who has become a symbol of the fight against discrimination in football, praised on Tuesday Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback champion of anti-racism, saying that his story is “ a source of inspiration".

“Today was a very, very special day for me. Hearing and knowing the story of a man who fought so hard against racism was unforgettable. Thank you very much Colin,” Vinicius said in a message posted on his Instagram account.

A former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Kapernick found himself in the spotlight in 2016 when he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police violence against black people in the United States. In the caption of a photo of the two men exchanging jerseys, Vinicius added that Kaepernick's "story" "is a true source of inspiration."

“This day and my conversation with Colin will have a great impact on my future life, to make this world a better and more equal place,” concluded the Real Madrid striker, who was recently named a UNESCO goodwill ambassador. for education for all.

Kaepernick, who has not played in the NFL since 2017, no franchise having recruited him after the end of his contract with San Francisco, for his part greeted, via his social networks, “his brother Vinicius (who) is in changing the world, while being one of the best at what he does. He’s still great.” In reaction to the recurring racist insults aimed at the Brazilian striker last year, a Spain-Brazil friendly match against racism will be organized on March 26 in Madrid.