Bodies at play, representations in dispute: racism against brazilian players in european Clubs o racismo contra jogadores brasileiros em clubes europeus

Abstract

The article analyzes how social representations and controlling images attempt to shape the perception of Black Brazilian players in European football clubs, with an emphasis on the dynamics of race, gender, nationality, and social class. The research is based on the understanding that, although football is often recognized as a space of social inclusion, it still operates under deeply rooted racist structures that seek to delegitimize the presence of these players in clubs across Europe. Recent cases of racism, such as those experienced by Vinicius Junior, highlight that both symbolic and material violence against these bodies is still present and normalized by a logic of domination that revives colonial stereotypes updated and disseminated both in stadiums and on social media. Nevertheless, the persistence of these athletes in remaining on the field emerges as a powerful form of resistance and re-existence, challenging the historical silencing imposed on Blackness.