Vinícius Júnior Reports Alleged Racist Abuse in Benfica Clash as UEFA Opens Investigation

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior reported alleged racist abuse during his side’s Champions League match against Benfica in Lisbon, prompting a ten-minute stoppage and an official UEFA investigation.

The incident occurred shortly after Vinícius scored the only goal of the match, when he alerted referee François Letexier to comments he claimed were made by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé later said he also heard discriminatory language directed at his team-mate, telling reporters:

“We heard what was said. It cannot happen in football.”

Prestianni has denied the accusation. Speaking after the match on his instagram story post, he said:

“I did not say anything racist. My words were misunderstood.” He also stated that he had “nothing against Vinícius”

and rejected claims that he used discriminatory language.

Benfica confirmed they would fully cooperate with UEFA’s investigation but reiterated their support for Prestianni, stating that the player was the victim of a “smear campaign.” The club also reaffirmed its commitment to equality and inclusion.

Benfica manager José Mourinho appeared to criticise Vinícius’s celebration following his goal. Speaking to Amazon Prime, Mourinho said:

“When you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.” He added: “They told me different things. I don’t believe in one or the other. I want to be independent.”

Mourinho also commented more broadly on previous incidents involving the player, saying:

“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinícius plays, something happens, always.”

UEFA has confirmed it has opened disciplinary proceedings into the matter. If Prestianni is found guilty of discriminatory conduct, he could face a suspension of up to 10 matches under UEFA regulations.

Vinícius responded after the match by condemning racism and standing by his decision to report the incident. In a statement on social media, he wrote:

“Racism has no place in football. I will continue to fight against it.”

The Brazilian Football Confederation also issued a statement supporting the player, describing racism as unacceptable and praising his actions.

The allegation is the latest in a documented pattern of racist abuse directed at Vinícius in recent years.

In October 2021, he was subjected to racist abuse from a supporter at Barcelona’s Camp Nou as he left the pitch. In March 2022, he faced monkey chants during a match against Mallorca.

In May 2023, he was racially abused by supporters during a league match against Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium, an incident that led to widespread condemnation and sanctions.

In March 2024, Vinícius became emotional during a Brazil press conference, stating that repeated incidents of racism had affected him mentally and reduced his desire to play.

The frequency of these incidents reflects a broader issue within football rather than the actions of the player himself.

Vinícius has consistently followed reporting protocols and continued to speak out, while investigations and punishments have often been criticised as slow or insufficient.

UEFA’s latest investigation represents another test of football’s ability to respond effectively. The repeated allegations directed at one of the sport’s most prominent players have increased pressure on governing bodies to strengthen enforcement, ensure accountability, and provide greater protection to players facing racism.

Without consistent consequences and stronger preventative measures, incidents such as this risk continuing, reinforcing concerns that football’s current systems may not yet be doing enough to eliminate racism from the game.