Vini Jr. (film)
2025 documentary film
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
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- Emílio Domingos
- Andrucha Waddington
- Emílio Domingos
- Sérgio Mekler
- Luisa Barbosa
- Renata Brandão
| Vini Jr. | |
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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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Synopsis
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
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
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]