Barcelona star accuses Disneyland of racism after ‘disgraceful’ incident involving son | Football

Barcelona footballer Raphinha has accused Disneyland of racism after a mascot allegedly ‘ignored’ his son while hugging ‘all the white children’.

Raphinha posted a series of videos to social media appearing to show his young son, Gael, being repeatedly overlooked by a mascot at Disneyland Paris.

The footage shows a Disneyland character embracing several children while Raphinha’s son stands to one side.

Gael appears to be encouraged to approach the mascot and if even nudged in their direction but the ascot then stands up and walks away.

The young boy continues to try to get the mascot’s attention before being picked up by a relative and taken to the Disneyland employee.

They share a brief interaction but the family member holding Gael then gives up and walks off looking displeased.

‘Your employees are disgraceful,’ said Raphinha, who joined Barcelona from Premier League club Leeds United in 2022.

‘You shouldn’t treat people like this, especially a CHILD. You’re supposed to make children happy, not ignore a child. I prefer to say “ignore”, rather than anything else. You’re a disgrace.’

Raphinha went on to accuse the mascot of deliberately ignoring his son because of his skin colour.

The 28-year-old Ballon d’Or nominee added: ‘I understand the fatigue of those who work with this, but why did all the white children get hugs and not my son?

‘I hate you, Disneyland. He just wanted a hello and a hug. Lucky for you, he doesn’t get it. That employee is s****y.’

Disneyland Paris, which attracts around 12 millions visitors every year, are yet to issue a response to Raphinha’s allegations.

Barcelona star Raphinha was not with his family at the time as he is with the Brazil national team during this international break.

He started Brazil’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile at the Maracana on Friday night and is expected to feature in Tuesday’s friendly against South Korea.

Raphinha will then return to Barcelona ahead of their next La Liga match against Valencia next weekend.

The ex-Leeds winger enjoyed a brilliant 2024-25 campaign, scoring 34 goals in all competitions to help Barca win a domestic treble.

Hansi Flick’s side also impressed in Europe, reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League before being narrowly beaten by Inter Milan.

Raphinha spent two years in the Premier League before moving to the Nou Camp, helping Leeds avoid relegation with 17 goals.

He was one of four Barcelona players nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award alongside Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Pedri.

This is not the first time Disneyland has been accused of racism by visitors.

In 2022, a family accused an employee dressed as Princess Rapunzel of ignoring their black daughter.

‘Please repost this racist a** s***,’ the child’s father said. ‘Kids shouldn’t have to go through this. They treat our kids like they don’t belong.’

Last year Disneyland introduced its first ride to celebrate a Black princess as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaced Splash Mountain, a log-flume ride inspired by a racist 1946 film.

‘I was like, it’s about time,’ said Chazlyn Stunson, a 23-year-old content creator who attended a Tiana’s Bayou Adventure launch event.

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