Vinicius (foto: Getty Images)
Vinicius Jr. faces backlash in Spain after sharing an Instagram story showing a Champions League broadcast via Brazil’s TNT Sports, violating local broadcasting rights.
Vinicius Jr., sidelined due to injury, missed Real Madrid’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League earlier this week. From his home in Madrid, the Brazilian winger shared an Instagram story showing himself watching the game. While his intention was likely to express frustration over the team’s performance, the post quickly escalated into a controversy.
In the Instagram story, the broadcast on Vinicius’s TV clearly displayed the logo of TNT Sports, a Brazilian network. This sparked outrage from La Liga, which accused the player of promoting piracy. The league reminded Real Madrid that viewers in Spain are required to watch Champions League matches exclusively through Movistar, the official rights holder for the competition in the country.
"During the Liverpool vs. Real Madrid match, Vinicius posted an Instagram story showing the game. The TNT Sports logo was visible on the screen. This constitutes piracy. In Spain, Champions League matches must be watched via Movistar, which pays for the broadcast rights," La Liga reportedly wrote in an official complaint to the reigning Champions League holders.
Vinicius’s post has ignited a broader debate on the responsibilities of high-profile players in respecting and adhering to broadcasting rights. While it’s unclear if Vinicius intentionally accessed the broadcast through TNT Sports or if it was due to his Brazilian origin and preferences, the controversy highlights the sensitivity of broadcasting agreements, particularly in high-stakes competitions like the Champions League.