World Cup power rankings: Brazil & Belgium have big problems!

Hit or miss? 25 most expensive transfers of the 21st century

Vinícius Júnior’s imperfect conception

Six stars City should target to cure Pep's biggest headache

How England should line up once Tuchel takes charge

Neymar told he’s ‘same level as Messi’ but ‘ruined career’

Felix dazzles but Ronaldo-less Portugal lack finishers

Ronaldo wants to make Guardiola the Selecao's new boss

Messi sends special message at end of 'unforgettable year' 

Is 1,000 goals realistic? Ex-CR7 rival says he’ll ‘get there’

Neymar's future decided? Al-Hilal star buys €50m penthouse

Pulisic: 'Trump dance' celebration was 'funny,' not political

Rooney enjoying ‘boozy nights & takeaways’ without wife Coleen

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Vinicius confirmed as Human Rights Champion</li><li>Winger issued anti-racism message</li><li>Brazil star the victim of abuse on many occasions</li></ul>

WATCH: Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior shares powerful anti-racism message after being confirmed as United Nations Human Rights Champion

LaLiga

Leganes

Real Madrid

The Brazilian attacker announced on social media that he has teamed up with the United Nations and will work to expand anti-racism education. The 23-year-old called for sports to have "zero tolerance" policies towards racial discrimination and reporting mechanisms for victims of abuse.

WHAT HAPPENED?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">For me, this specific year has been a stark reminder that we still have a long journey ahead to eliminate bigotry from sports and society. I believe that anti-racism education must be at the heart of our efforts to advance equality and human rights everywhere. That’s why I’m… <a href="https://t.co/5gtlH7YRGW">pic.twitter.com/5gtlH7YRGW</a>— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) <a href="https://twitter.com/vinijr/status/1732086569668850074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

WATCH THE CLIP

"For me, this specific year has been a stark reminder that we still have a long journey ahead to eliminate bigotry from sports and society," he wrote. "I believe that anti-racism education must be at the heart of our efforts to advance equality and human rights everywhere. That’s why I’m very happy to announce my new role as United Nations #HumanRights Champion. A role that I’ll take on with pride, excitement and responsibility. Let's make sports a true model of inclusivity, free of racism &amp; discrimination. It's our moment to stand united."He added in the video: "We are here today to renew our commitment to protect human rights for all. Throughout history, racism and discrimination have denied opportunities to so many, even in sports. It is time for all of us to stand together against racism. Sports must have zero tolerance for racial discrimination. That means every institution should have reporting mechanisms in place and tackle discrimination without reservations. Victims should be supported, not victimised further."

WHAT VINICIUS JUNIOR SAID ABOUT HIS NEW ROLE

Vinicius has been the victim of racist abuse during matches many times since joining Real Madrid. He has spoken out about the issue on social media, even going head-to-head with La Liga president Javier Tebas on one occasion. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/vinicius-junior-championship-ronaldinho-ronaldo-cristiano-lionel-messi-racists/blt0030743fbc314497" target="_blank">Vinicius said that La Liga "belongs to racist"</a>, sparking some pushback from Tebas. The Madrid hero said in October that he is going to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/real-madrid-vinicius-junior-fight-racism-spain/bltc137f13a5c8ab069" target="_blank">continue his fight to end racism in Spain</a>, saying: "I know that I can change some things. So that those who come in the next few years do not go through this, so that children can have peace of mind in the future. For them I will do everything I can."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Brazil international will begin his work with the UN while he continues his recovery from a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/trouble-brazil-and-real-madrid-vinicius-jr-picks-up-apparent-leg-injury-conmebol-world-cup-qualifying-clash-colombia/bltb2a4d52e8b7d3fec" target="_blank">muscle injury that he sustained while on international duty</a>. That knock is expected to keep him out of action for a further two months.

WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?

WATCH: Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior shares powerful anti-racism message after being confirmed as United Nations Human Rights Champion | Goal.com

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has been confirmed as the United Nations Human Rights Champion as he continues his fight against racism in sport.