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Local media said the law was inspired by the
player's response to the incident at Valencia's Mestalla
stadium, where the game was paused for several minutes while the
player pointed at those racially abusing him in the stands.
The 'Vini Jr law', unanimously approved by the Rio government in
June, includes protocol on how to process complaints of racism
and mandatory educational campaigns.
"Today is a very special day and I hope my family is very
proud," said Vinicius during a ceremony at the Maracana Stadium,
where he made his senior debut for Flamengo in 2017.
"I am very young and I didn't expect that I would be receiving
this tribute."
Vinicius also received awards from Rio's legislative assembly
and city council and his footprints were added to the stadium's
Walk of Fame beside those of Brazilian greats such as Pele,
Garrincha and Ronaldo.
"Sometimes I wonder if I deserve so much," he said. "I didn't
expect so many awards and to receive all this affection at the
Maracana, where I attended and played so many Flamengo matches."
Rio de Janeiro's Secretary for Sports Rafael Picciani said it
was an honour to pay tribute to "an idol of Brazilian football,
born and raised in Rio de Janeiro".
"In addition to all his football career achievements, Vinicius
has also become a symbol of the fight against racism".
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
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