Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr is not staying away from controversies, as the latest round saw him and his girlfriend involved in a banter.
Vinicius, part of Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad, has been in the news throughout 2026, becoming the talk of the town again on Wednesday after a viral video of his girlfriend had netizens raise eyebrows. So,here'swhat the video had: a few claimsstatedit was a dig at Vinicius and racial abuse.
Did Virginia Fonseca Take a Racial Dig at Vinícius?
In a video going viral, Virginia Fonseca is seen kissing a monkey while making a comment in Spanish. It is worth noting that both Fonseca and Vinicius recentlybroketheir relationship and are no longer dating. However, the Spanish commentcan'tbe related to a dig atVinicus, as she showed her affection for a monkey.
While a few reports claim it was a racial dig, nothing can be said on it as her gesture was purely towards the animal and not marking or mentioning Vinicius. The Brazilian was a key pick for coach Carlo Ancelotti after he announced his squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday evening.
Vinicius-Virginia: Why did the couple break-up?
Virginia confirmed the separation on Instagram, stating that while she fully dedicated herself to the relationship, she 'will never negotiate what is non-negotiable'. She noted that when things stopped making sense, she chose to end it with affection and respect. Earlier in their relationship, Brazilian media reported that Virginia had ended things for a time after discovering the Real Madrid player was messaging other models. Vinícius had previously issued a public apology, admitting he had been 'careless' and disappointed her.
Ancelotti includes Neymar alongside Vinicius Jr
Included in Carlo Ancelotti's preliminary squad of 55 players, expectations were high for the inclusion of Neymar, who has played in the last three World Cups for Brazil. He was expected to be in the 26-man squad; the entire nation backed him and his desire toparticipatein the last FIFA World Cup. Alongside Neymar, there were some huge names, including Raphinha, Vinicius Jr., and others, to come into the squad.
The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, comes back following a prolonged absence due to a series of injuries that kept him out for much of the qualifying campaign, as the five-time champions pursue a record-extending sixth title.
Ancelotti will coach Brazil in his first-ever World Cup and will carry the responsibility of returning the nation to the top of world football after more than two decades without lifting the trophy since Korea-Japan 2002.
Led by stars such as Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Bruno Guimarães, and with major questions surrounding the physical condition of Neymar, Brazil hopes to capture what would be its sixth World Cup title.
Full Squad Brazil For The 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Gremio)
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Roger Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo),Fabinho(Al-Ittihad), Danilo Santos (Botafogo)
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Neymar(Santos),Endrick(Lyon), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit Saint Petersburg),Rayan(Bournemouth)