Valencia CF Sues Netflix Over Vinícius Júnior Documentary
Valencia CF Takes Legal Action Against Netflix
Valencia Club de Fútbol has initiated legal proceedings against streaming giant Netflix and a production company, following the release of a documentary centered on Brazilian football star Vinícius Júnior. The documentary, which covers Vinícius’ experiences with racism in Spanish football, has sparked controversy for its depiction of events during a 2023 La Liga match at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium.
Documentary Accusations and Valencia’s Response
The documentary in question alleges that a significant number of Valencia fans directed racist chants at Vinícius Júnior during the match. According to the film’s subtitles, the crowd was heard shouting “mono,” the Spanish word for “monkey,” a term with clear racist connotations. However, Valencia CF strongly disputes this portrayal. The club maintains that the fans were actually chanting “tonto,” which translates to “silly” in English, and not the racist slur suggested by the documentary.
Valencia’s management argues that the documentary’s misrepresentation has severely damaged the club’s reputation, painting both the organization and its supporters in a negative light. The club asserts that only a small group of individuals were involved in any inappropriate behavior, and that the majority of fans were unfairly implicated by the documentary’s editing and subtitles.
Demands for Correction and Compensation
In response to the documentary’s release, Valencia CF initially sought an amicable resolution. The club publicly demanded that the production company and Netflix correct what it described as “false and defamatory” subtitles. According to Valencia, these requests were ignored, prompting the club to escalate the matter through legal channels.
The lawsuit filed by Valencia CF seeks several forms of redress:
1. Financial Compensation: The club is asking for monetary damages, citing harm to its honor and reputation as a result of the documentary’s claims.
2. Subtitles Correction: Valencia demands that Netflix and the production company amend the subtitles in the documentary to accurately reflect what was said during the match.
3. Public Acknowledgment: The club requests that the outcome of the legal proceedings be publicly shared, ensuring that viewers and the general public are made aware of the correction.
Background: The 2023 Incident at Mestalla
The controversy stems from a highly publicized La Liga fixture in May 2023 between Valencia CF and Real Madrid, during which Vinícius Júnior reported being subjected to racist abuse from the stands. The incident drew widespread condemnation from across the football world, with La Liga, the Spanish Football Federation, and FIFA all issuing statements denouncing racism in football.
Spanish authorities launched investigations, resulting in the identification and banning of several individuals found to have engaged in racist behavior. However, Valencia CF has consistently maintained that the vast majority of its supporters were not involved and that the incident was isolated rather than representative of the club’s fan base.
Impact on Valencia’s Image and Spanish Football
Valencia CF’s lawsuit underscores the broader challenges facing Spanish football as it grapples with issues of racism and public perception. The club argues that the documentary’s portrayal has not only harmed its own reputation but has also contributed to a negative image of Spanish football fans in general.
The case has sparked debate within Spain and beyond about the responsibilities of filmmakers and streaming platforms in accurately representing sensitive events. Some commentators have expressed concern that the documentary’s alleged inaccuracies could undermine efforts to combat racism by conflating isolated incidents with the actions of entire fan bases.
Netflix and Production Company Yet to Respond
As of the end of September 2025, neither Netflix nor the production company behind the documentary has issued a public response to the lawsuit. The streaming platform, known for its global reach and influence, has previously faced legal challenges related to the content and accuracy of its documentaries. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for how streaming services handle controversial topics in sports and society.
Legal and Social Ramifications
The legal action initiated by Valencia CF is being closely watched by stakeholders in the football community, media industry, and legal experts. If the court rules in favor of Valencia, it could require Netflix to make public corrections and potentially pay significant damages. Such a decision would reinforce the importance of accuracy in documentary filmmaking, especially when dealing with topics as sensitive as racism.
On the other hand, a ruling in favor of Netflix and the production company could affirm the editorial independence of filmmakers, though it may also raise questions about the ethical responsibilities of those producing content for a global audience.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Football and Media
The lawsuit filed by Valencia CF against Netflix and the documentary’s producers marks a significant moment in the intersection of sports, media, and social responsibility. As the case proceeds, it will likely prompt further discussion about the portrayal of racism in football, the accuracy of documentary storytelling, and the rights of clubs and fans to defend their reputations.