Match Paused 10 Minutes After Allegation
Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League win over Benfica in Lisbon was overshadowed by a racism allegation from Vinícius Júnior against Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni.
The incident occurred shortly after Vinícius gave Madrid the lead with a brilliant goal. Prestianni approached him, pulled his shirt over his mouth and appeared to speak directly to the Brazilian. Vinícius immediately complained to referee François Letexier, who activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol by crossing his arms over his face, halting play for 10 minutes.
Vinícius seemed prepared to walk off the pitch, with Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa later confirming the team would have supported him. After discussions between players, coaches and officials, the match resumed and Real Madrid held on for the victory.
Vinícius Júnior’s Strong Statement
Posting on Instagram in Portuguese after the game, Vinícius wrote:
“Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life.
I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why. On the other hand, just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.
I don’t like appearing in situations like this, even more so after a great victory when the headlines have to be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”
Prestianni Denies Allegations
Prestianni denied the claims on social media: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”
Benfica posted footage of the incident on X, stating: “As the images demonstrate, given the distance, the Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard.”
Strong Support from Mbappé and Arbeloa
Kylian Mbappé backed Vinícius: “Prestianni called Vinícius a monkey five times, I saw it. I cannot let things like this go. He’s a young player, how can you say things like that on a football pitch? This type of person is no colleague, he shouldn’t play the Champions League again.”
Álvaro Arbeloa added: “You have to ask the Benfica player what he said. We all deserve a response. We have to be totally intolerant of racism; we cannot allow things like this to happen on the pitch in 2026. Whatever Vinícius decided, we would have been at his side.”
Mourinho’s Balanced but Controversial Response
Benfica coach José Mourinho said he spoke to Vinícius during the stoppage and tried to remain independent: “They told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be balanced.”
He suggested Vinícius’ celebration may have provoked the crowd: “When you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.” Mourinho highlighted Benfica’s history with Eusébio: “The biggest person in the history of this club was black. This club, the last thing that it is, is racist.”
Former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf criticised Mourinho: “He made a big mistake to justify racial abuse… He’s saying it’s OK, when Vinicius provokes you, to be racist – and I think that is very wrong. We should never, ever justify racial abuse.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold called the incident “a disgrace to football” and “disgusting,” while Thierry Henry reflected on his own experiences: “I can relate… You feel lonely because it’s your word against his.”
UEFA confirmed the reports are under review but provided no further comment at this stage. The second leg awaits, but the racism allegation has once again dominated headlines and renewed calls for stronger action against discrimination in football.
