Dani: Eder, thank you very much for speaking with me today. I appreciate you taking the time to discuss your experiences with race and inequality, particularly in the context of football.

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Eder: No problem, happy to help.

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Dani: Can you tell me a bit about your background and how it might have influenced your experiences in sports?

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Eder: Well, I'm originally from Peru. I grew up in a working-class family in Lima. Football was always a big part of my life, even as a young kid. I think growing up in Peru, where football is such a passion, shaped my love for the sport. It also gave me a lot of motivation, especially as a teenager. While my friends were out partying and drinking, I was focused on staying fit and eating healthy so I could be at my best on the pitch.

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Dani: How did you get involved in football? Were you a player, a fan, or both?

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Eder: Oh both, for sure! I started out as a fan, going to matches with my dad to watch Alianza Lima. I was hooked from the first game. Then I started playing with friends and eventually joined a team at my school and in my city. It started as a hobby, but it became pretty competitive. I still play whenever I get the chance.

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Dani: Growing up, did you have any footballers who you looked up to as role models? Did you feel represented in terms of race among the prominent players?

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Eder: Definitely. Ronaldinho was my first idol. He was Brazilian, incredibly skilful, and just so exciting to watch. Then there was Messi, of course. But I also looked up to players like Juan Mata and Cristiano Ronaldo. And from Peru, Paulo Guerrero and Jefferson Farfán were huge for me. They were like the embodiment of the aggressive Peruvian spirit and I really felt represented by them. They had a similar attitude to me on the pitch - super competitive and hated to lose.

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Dani: Great! Have you ever experienced or witnessed any instances of racial discrimination or prejudice within football, either on the pitch or as a spectator?

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Eder: Yeah, unfortunately. I remember playing in a school competition in Lima. It was between religious schools, and there was a classist element to it. Some of the kids from the wealthier schools would call us "poor" and stuff. I even had someone call me a… should I say it in English or Spanish?

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Dani: Whichever you’d like

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Eder: A "fucking black monkey." It was definitely racist, and it made me realise that these issues exist even in places where you might not expect them.

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Dani: Have you ever felt that your race influenced how you were perceived or treated by coaches, teammates, or opponents while playing football?

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Eder:  I've been lucky to have mostly positive experiences with coaches and teammates. But I have heard stories from other players who have faced discrimination or prejudice. I think it's important to be aware of these issues and to challenge them whenever we see them.

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Dani: Good point. How do you feel about the representation of different racial groups in the football leagues and teams you follow?

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Eder: I think the Premier League is a good example of a league with a lot of diversity. You see players from all over the world, from all different backgrounds. That's great to see. I think other leagues are becoming more diverse as well, which is a positive step.

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Dani: What about in the media? Do you think the coverage of football perpetuates racial stereotypes or biases, particularly in commentary?

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Eder: Yeah, I think it can. You sometimes hear commentators using language that reinforces stereotypes about players from certain racial backgrounds. It's important for the media to be aware of these biases and to avoid perpetuating them.

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Dani: What factors do you think contribute to the underrepresentation of certain racial groups in top-level football or in management and coaching positions?

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Eder: I think it's a complex issue with a lot of factors involved. There can be some historical and societal factors that have led to underrepresentation. There can also be biases and discrimination within the sport itself. I think it's important to address all these factors if we want to see a real change.

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Dani: Have you seen any progress in addressing racial inequality within football during your lifetime?

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Eder: Yes, I think there has been some progress. There's more awareness of these issues now, and there are initiatives in place to try to combat racism and promote diversity. But there's still a long way to go.

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Dani: What specific actions or initiatives do you think could be taken to promote greater racial equality in football?

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Eder: I think continuing to raise awareness is important. Campaigns like "No to Racism" can help to keep these issues in the public eye. I also think it's important to have strong sanctions for racist behaviour, both on and off the pitch. Maybe something like revoking season tickets for fans caught engaging in racist behaviour at matches. And as well I think we need to see more diversity in leadership positions within football.

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Dani: Do you feel optimistic about the future of racial equality within football?

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Eder: I want to be optimistic. I think there's a growing movement for change, and I hope that we can continue to make progress. But it's going to take a lot of work from everyone involved in the sport.

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Dani: Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and insights with me. This has been insightful! Any closing thoughts?

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Eder: I would just end with the saying that I try and live by which is ‘none of us are equal until all of us are equal’.