Valencia Football Club Files Lawsuit Against Netflix Over Vinícius Documentary

Valencia CF has initiated legal action against Netflix and the production company behind a documentary on Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, alleging the film disseminated falsehoods that tarnished the club's reputation by misrepresenting a 2023 racist incident at Mestalla Stadium. The lawsuit, filed in a Valencia court, accuses the streaming giant and producers of defamation, seeking unspecified financial damages, immediate subtitle corrections, and public acknowledgment of a judicial ruling.

This escalation follows months of unsuccessful demands for edits, highlighting ongoing tensions in Spanish soccer over combating racism while navigating media portrayals. The case arrives amid heightened scrutiny of La Liga's anti-discrimination efforts, as Vinícius continues to face abuse, prompting global outcry and FIFA interventions.

The controversy centers on footage in the documentary—titled Vinícius: The Infinite Game and released in July 2025—that depicts a crowd of Valencia supporters chanting during Real Madrid's 1-0 win on May 21, 2023. Subtitles overlay the word "mono" (Spanish for "monkey"), implying a racist slur directed at the Brazilian winger, who has endured repeated racial taunts since joining Real in 2018.

Valencia contends the chant was actually "tonto" (meaning "silly" or "foolish"), a non-racial jeer, and that the video was manipulated to amplify the narrative. The club, which prides itself on its fanbase's passion, argues this portrayal falsely implicated "a large group" of supporters, damaging its honor and fueling unwarranted backlash. Experts during related trials testified that the clip was edited, corroborating Valencia's claims, per Spanish media reports.

Vinícius, 25, broke down in tears post-match after confronting a fan making monkey gestures and uttering slurs from behind the goal—a moment that went viral and galvanized anti-racism campaigns. While then-coach Carlo Ancelotti initially condemned the entire stadium, he later retracted, apologizing for conflating isolated abuse with collective guilt.

Indeed, three Valencia ultras were convicted in Spain's first soccer racism trial, receiving eight-month suspended sentences and stadium bans for their direct insults. Vinícius's representatives distanced him from the suit earlier this year, stating he would not intervene as it targeted Netflix, not the club. The player, who scored the winner that day, has since become a symbol of resilience, dedicating his 2024 Ballon d'Or nomination to fighting bigotry.

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Netflix has yet to respond to requests for comment, but the lawsuit could compel revisions to the documentary, viewed by millions worldwide. Valencia's move reflects broader frustrations in European football, where clubs balance fan accountability with reputational risks from viral misinformation. La Liga President Javier Tebas welcomed the legal step, vowing stricter media guidelines, while Real Madrid offered tacit support.

As the case progresses—potentially reaching trial by mid-2026—it underscores the delicate interplay of accountability and narrative in soccer's war on racism, with Vinícius's advocacy ensuring the conversation endures.

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