A TikTok video posted on February 18, 2026, depicting a child in Argentina referencing Brazilian footballer Vinícius Júnior alongside an image of a monkey, has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of racial bias within Argentine football culture. The video, originally posted by Stone (@stoneavenuee) on TikTok and Instagram, shows the child imitating a monkey while repeatedly saying “Vinicius,” seemingly directed at the animal.
The incident echoes a similar event from July 26, 2024, where a video circulated online showing an Argentine child calling Vinícius Júnior a monkey. In that earlier instance, the child, wearing a Lionel Messi jersey, was filmed by a woman believed to be his mother, while making the racist remarks and mimicking a monkey. The earlier video prompted widespread condemnation, with social media users criticizing both the child’s behavior and the mother’s decision to film the incident. One social media post from July 26, 2024, described the situation as “rooted” in Argentine culture, alleging a systemic acceptance of racism within the country’s football environment and online gaming spaces.
Stone Avenue, identified as Africa’s Number 1 Football Indicate on YouTube, shared the recent TikTok video, using the hashtags #Stoneavenuee, #Sportsontiktok, and #fyp. The video has garnered 349 likes and 25 comments on TikTok, and 1,153 likes and 108 comments on Instagram as of February 18, 2026.
The incidents have reignited a debate about the prevalence of racism in Argentine football, with critics pointing to a lack of consistent condemnation and preventative measures. No official statement has been released by Argentine football authorities regarding the recent TikTok video as of February 18, 2026.
