In the aftermath of the racist abuse directed towards Vinicius Jr. during a Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid, reactions from the footballing community have been prominent. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola took the opportunity to address the issue at a press conference. He asserted that racism transcends football and represents a broader societal crisis, highlighting that the worth of individuals should not be determined by their birthplace or skin color.

Guardiola's statements carried a strong message that education is essential in combating racism, suggesting that schools play a crucial role in changing societal behaviors. He advocated for higher salaries for teachers, positing that investing in education is key to addressing these social issues. According to him, emphasizing the significance of teachers and doctors over football coaches can lead to more meaningful change in society.

These comments by Guardiola arrive amidst a significant debate surrounding the incident involving Vinicius Jr., which has sparked discussions about the prevalence of racism in sports and the appropriate measures needed to tackle these challenges. His emphasis on education reflects a growing recognition that social reform is integral to eliminating racism, suggesting that the responsibility extends beyond the sports world to the fabric of society itself.