Valencia CF has officially taken legal action against Netflix following the release of the highly publicized documentary centered on Brazilian footballer Vinícius Júnior. The Spanish club argues that the series portrays the team and its fanbase in a defamatory light, particularly regarding incidents of racism that took place at Mestalla Stadium during a match against Real Madrid in May 2023. While Netflix highlights the abuse directed at Vinícius as a key turning point in his fight against racism in Spanish football, Valencia claims the production unfairly generalizes its entire community as racist, harming the club’s reputation on both a national and international level.
According to the club, the documentary not only damages its image but also misrepresents the actions Valencia took following the incident. At the time, the club swiftly identified and punished individuals involved in the racist abuse, even issuing stadium bans. However, in the series, Valencia officials argue that these efforts were overlooked or minimized, leading to a narrative that the club tolerated such behavior. This, they believe, crosses a legal line, prompting their decision to pursue legal remedies.
Valencia’s lawsuit reflects the wider tension in Spanish football around the handling of racism cases. The incident with Vinícius sparked global debate, with FIFA, UEFA, and international players voicing support for stronger measures to eradicate racism in the sport. For Netflix, the documentary was framed as a platform to showcase the struggles and resilience of Vinícius, but for Valencia, it has reignited a painful episode in a way they consider unjust.
The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for how streaming platforms handle sensitive issues involving real-life clubs, players, and fan cultures—balancing storytelling with factual fairness. Both sides now prepare for what promises to be a closely watched legal ba
ttle.
