Vini Jr. (film)
| Vini Jr. | |
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.jpg) Theatrical poster | |
| Directed by |
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| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | Vinicius Junior |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Patrícia Portaro |
Production company | Conspiração Filmes |
| Distributed by | Netflix |
Release date |
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Running time | 106 minutes |
| Country | Brazil |
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Vini Jr. (Portuguese: ‘Baila, Viní’)[1] is a 2025 Portuguese-language sports documentary film directed by Emílio Domingos and Andrucha Waddington.[2] The film chronicles the life and career of Brazilian footballer Vinícius Júnior, from his early days in São Gonçalo to his rise as a global star at Real Madrid. The documentary was released on Netflix on May 15, 2025.[3][4]
Synopsis
[edit]The documentary provides an in depth look at Vinícius Júnior’s journey, highlighting his skill, determination, and influence on and off the pitch. It features never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews with Vinícius himself, as well as insights from footballers such as Neymar Jr., Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema, and Thibaut Courtois. The film also explores his advocacy against racism in football, particularly incidents that occurred against Valencia CF fans during his time in La Liga.[5]
Production
[edit]In May 2023, during a match at Mestalla Stadium, Vinícius Júnior was subjected to racist abuse by individuals in the crowd. The incident prompted the temporary suspension of the game and drew international attention to racism in football.[6] Legal action was later taken against those identified as responsible.[7][8]
In response, Netflix announced the documentary Baila, Vini, which explores Vinícius Júnior’s career and sheds light on the issue of racism in the sport.[9] The film focuses on the events at Mestalla, featuring responses from fellow players, coaches, and football organizations. It also highlights Vinícius’ role as an advocate against racial discrimination and explores the broader impact of such incidents on athletes of color.[10]
The production team conducted interviews with Vinícius Júnior, his teammates, and football analysts to provide a view of the challenges faced by Black athletes in the sport.[11][12]
Reception and controversy
[edit]Upon its release, Vini Jr. was commended for its emotional resonance and compelling narrative.[13] However, the documentary also drew controversy, especially for its depiction of racist incidents involving Valencia CF supporters during a match in May 2023.[14] In response, Valencia CF has reportedly explored legal options, claiming the film presents a misleading account of the events.[15][16]
References
[edit]- ^ "Netflix Is Dropping a Vinícius Jr Documentary: 'Baila, Viní'". www.versus.uk.com. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ "Vini Jr. documentary set to hit Netflix in 2025 – it will give a behind-the-scenes look into his life and career". Yahoo Sports. 2024-11-19. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ "Netflix Announces Vinicius Junior Documentary Coming in 2025". SI. 2024-11-19. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ "Netflix Announce Release Date For Vinicius Jr. Documentary Named 'Baila, Vini '". Real Madrid CF On SI. 2025-04-22. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ Das, Santanu (2025-05-15). "Vini Jr. documentary: Release date & time, where to watch, and more". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ "Vinicius Jr: Real Madrid report racist abuse incident to prosecutors as hate crime". BBC Sport. 2023-05-22. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ Madrid, Managing (2023-05-22). "Valencia have identified at least one fan who made racist gestures at Vinicius Jr". Managing Madrid. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ "Vinicius Jr: Valencia fined and sanctioned with partial stadium closure for five matches". BBC Sport. 2023-05-23. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ "Netflix Announces Vinicius Junior Documentary Coming in 2025". OneFootball (in German). 2025-05-18. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ "Vinicius Jr on Netflix! Real Madrid superstar latest sports hero to make biographical documentary charting life and career | Goal.com India". www.goal.com. 2024-11-19. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ Sports, Pulse (2024-11-24). "Vinicius Junior's stellar campaign that has warranted a Netflix documentary for the Real Madrid star". Pulse Sports Uganda. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ "Vinicius Junior's Inspiring Journey Premieres on Netflix". brazilcore.com. 2025-05-03. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ ""Vini Jr.": New Netflix Documentary Offers Personal Portrait of Vinícius Júnior". 2025-05-15. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ Rai, Guillermo; Cortegana, Mario (2023-05-22). "Valencia vs Real Madrid halted after call to stop 'racist behaviour' against Vinicius Junior, La Liga to investigate". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ "Vinicius Jr could face legal action over Netflix documentary as Valencia consider complaint over portrayal of alleged racist abuse aimed at Real Madrid star | Goal.com". www.goal.com. 2025-05-16. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ Sports, Pulse (2025-05-15). "Vinicius Jr: Valencia consider dragging Real Madrid star to court over Netflix documentary". Pulse Sports Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-05-17.