Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior has become the victim of a terrifying arson attack after his Spanish residence was deliberately set on fire during Wednesday night's La Liga match against Valencia.
The shocking incident occurred while the 23-year-old Brazilian international was actively playing in the crucial league fixture at the Mestalla Stadium, approximately 350 kilometres away from his targeted Madrid home.
Deliberate Attack During Match Time
Spanish authorities have confirmed that the fire was started intentionally when four individuals threw a flammable substance into the bedroom of Vinicius's property. The attack appears to have been carefully timed to coincide with the footballer's absence during the high-profile match.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving multiple distress calls from concerned neighbours who spotted flames and smoke emerging from the luxury property. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze before it could cause catastrophic damage to the structure.
Previous Racial Abuse Incidents
This disturbing event follows several high-profile incidents involving the Brazilian winger, who has frequently been subjected to racial abuse from opposition fans throughout his time in Spanish football. Just last season, Valencia's Mestalla Stadium was partially closed following racist chants directed at Vinicius.
The talented forward has been increasingly vocal about combating racism in football, recently establishing his own anti-racism foundation dedicated to creating meaningful change within the sport.
Real Madrid's Strong Response
Real Madrid Football Club has issued a powerful statement condemning the attack, confirming they're providing full support to their player and cooperating with ongoing police investigations. Club officials described the incident as "a despicable act of cowardice" and vowed to ensure those responsible face justice.
Spanish police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the arson attack, treating it with the highest priority given Vinicius's high-profile status and the potentially lethal consequences of the fire.
The football community has rallied around the young star, with teammates and rivals alike expressing their shock and solidarity following the terrifying incident that has shaken Spanish football to its core.
