Real Madrid’s victory at Benfica on Tuesday was overshadowed by another incident of alleged racial abuse aimed at Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior.
The 22-year-old winger scored a brilliant goal in the Champions League play-off first leg, but the match was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius told referee Francois Letexier that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni had called him a “monkey.” Prestianni, a 20-year-old Argentine midfielder, denies the accusation.
Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has been a frequent target of racist abuse. High-profile incidents include Atletico Madrid fans hanging an effigy of him in 2023 and abuse from Valencia fans at Mestalla Stadium, which led to the first criminal conviction in Spain for stadium-based racial insults.
“This first criminal conviction in the history of Spain is not for me. It’s for all black people,” Vinicius said after the Valencia case. Other convictions include five Real Valladolid fans in 2025, marking Spain’s first hate crime ruling related to stadium insults.
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho commented on the recurring incidents: “A stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always.” Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappe called for Prestianni to be banned from the Champions League, saying, “This guy doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League again.”
Vinicius’s playing style and expressive behaviour often draw attention. Known for taking on defenders and engaging with fans, his celebrations sometimes provoke opposition supporters, as seen when he danced by the corner flag against Benfica.
Speaking out against racism has increased his visibility, but Vinicius remains defiant. “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are,” he said on social media. Mbappe added his support: “Dance Vini, and please never stop. They will never tell us what we (can) do or not.”
Despite repeated abuse, Vinicius continues to shine on the pitch, proving himself as Real Madrid’s key attacking weapon and a global symbol in the fight against racism in football.
