“It was one of the hardest times of my life.”

In 2019, while playing for Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, Brazilian midfielder Taison was sent off after reacting to racist abuse during a match against Dynamo Kyiv. Afterward, Taison remained firm: “My job is to fight, to be proud, to hold my head up. In a racist society, not being racist is not enough – we have to be anti-racist.”

Fast forward to present day and Taison – now playing for the Greek side PAOK – continues to take a stand on the soccer field, scoring his goals by raising his fist in celebration inspired by Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ famous Black Power salute at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.

“I think we can’t stay silent when we’re dealing with something this big,” he says. “I raise my fist to show responsibility and strength, being someone who fights for my ideals. A lot of kids send me pictures on social media doing the same thing. I’m very happy that it’s having such an impact.”

It supports progress and inclusion

Taison never experienced racism in his native Brazil, but he knows his family and friends have suffered. He hopes his defiant message, amplified by his platform as a footballer, will help others at home and around the world meet racism with the same determination.

“As football players we have a very strong voice,” he says. “I will always fight for equality, not only for myself, but also for young people, for their families. My parents always taught me to face my problems head on. No matter the color of your skin, we are all equal.”

Fenerbahçe’s Fred believes that football can be a powerful unifying forceGetty Images

“Football is very powerful”

Taison’s fellow Brazilian Fred, who played alongside him at Shakhtar, also knows what it’s like to feel the sting of racism, having endured racist abuse while playing for Manchester United.

“It’s terrible that it’s still happening in 2024, but what we can’t do is think we’re always a victim,” says Fred, who now plays for the Turkish team. Fenerbahce.

Football, Fred believes, has a crucial role to play. “Football is very strong. Everyone loves football, it reaches the whole world,” he said. “Let’s keep fighting to eradicate racism: players sending this message reach a lot of people.”

These efforts are producing progress, too. “Some people are a bit backwards and keep racism alive, but I think together as a people we’re moving in the right direction,” says Fred. “I believe that in the near future we will hear no more of racism – but until that happens, we must continue to fight, to be united and to be strong.”