Teenagers Lamine Yamal and Endrick were the center of attention as Brazil tied 3-3 with Spain on Tuesday in the “One Skin” international friendly, which aimed to highlight the fight against racism following several insults aimed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.
Vinícius had a quiet game, but Brazil managed to equalize with a penalty from Lucas Paquetá in stoppage time, after Rodri put Spain ahead with a penalty in the 87th minute.
Brazil came back from being two goals down, with Endrick, a 17-year-old player from Palmeiras, scoring the equalizer. Yamal, a 16-year-old forward from Barcelona, helped set up three goals for Spain and received applause when he left the field.
“Yamal and Endrick are players who could shine at the 2026 World Cup,” said Brazil coach Dorival Júnior. “They both play at a very high level.”
The friendly match came a day after Vinícius spoke about the ongoing racist insults he faces in Spain, expressing his frustration but pledging to continue fighting against racism. Vinícius was cheered when he left the game in the 71st minute, but he faced jeers when his name was announced before the match.
Brazilian players wore black jackets with the slogan “One Skin, One Identity” to support an anti-racism campaign. These jackets will be auctioned for charity.
While most of the focus was on Vinícius, it was Yamal who posed the biggest threat with his speed and skillful moves against Brazilian defenders.
Rodri gave Spain the lead with a penalty in the 13th minute after Yamal was fouled inside the box by João Gomes. Although Vinícius had Brazil’s first shot on goal, it was easily saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.
Yamal assisted Dani Olmo’s goal in the 36th minute, while Rodrigo scored for Brazil in the 40th minute after a mistake by Simón. Endrick, who will join a Spanish team next season, scored the equalizer and later allowed Paquetá to take the late penalty. The crowd was disappointed as they wanted to see Vinícius take the penalty.
The game ended with controversy as Spanish players complained about a hard foul by Endrick, leading Vinícius to defend his future teammate from the bench. Spain, preparing for the European Championship, was coming off a 1-0 loss to Colombia.
Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed disappointment at the jeers directed at Álvaro Morata by the crowd at the Bernabeu, where Morata previously played.
Vinícius has faced racist insults since arriving in Spain six years ago. He called for action from FIFA, UEFA, and other soccer institutions to combat racism.
