Vinicius Junior ‘Repulsed’ by Jose Mourinho’s Response to Accusation of Racial Abuse Against Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni

Vinicius Junior ‘Repulsed’ by Mourinho’s Response as UEFA Investigates Incident in Lisbon

It was supposed to be a classic Champions League night in Lisbon — the kind of fixture that excites fans, teases headlines, and promises edge-of-your-seat drama. Real Madrid versus Benfica, first leg of the knockout play-offs, a chance for both sides to stake their claim for Europe’s elite last-16. Instead, the night became overshadowed by controversy, confusion, and anger as Vinicius Junior found himself at the centre of a racial abuse allegation — and then, reportedly, left “repulsed” by the response of Jose Mourinho, the former Real Madrid manager, who was overseeing Benfica.

The incident took place at Estadio da Luz, where tension had already been building. Vinicius had opened the scoring with a perfectly struck goal into the top corner, silencing the home crowd momentarily, before celebrating at the corner flag. That celebration, which drew a yellow card, seemed to ignite tempers. Benfica players exchanged heated words, and what followed was a chaotic moment that saw a ten-minute halt to the match.

Vinicius Junior Prestianni Benfica Real Madrid

Champions League Game in Lisbon Halted After Alleged Incident

Early in the second half, the match came to a stop after what was described as an unscheduled confrontation between Vinicius and Gianluca Prestianni. The Argentine winger reportedly pulled his shirt over his mouth and said something to Vinicius, who reacted by running to the referee to report racist comments.

UEFA’s protocols were immediately followed. For ten minutes, officials, players, and staff navigated the complex situation. The stoppage was tense, charged with emotion. On one side, Vinicius, supported by teammates including Kylian Mbappe, was visibly distressed. On the other, Benfica sought to clarify Prestianni’s actions.

Post-match statements gave further insight into the conflicting narratives. Prestianni insisted:

“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.”

Vinicius, meanwhile, shared his perspective:

“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 an obligation to punish them. 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, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.”

The statements underline the gravity and sensitivity of the incident, with UEFA already opening an investigation that may involve sanctions.

Mourinho Criticised for His Take on What Went On

The drama extended beyond the pitch. Mourinho, who was serving as the Benfica manager, had spoken to Vinicius at the time, and later to reporters, in comments that were widely criticised.

“Regretful for what? I’ve spoken with both of them. Vinicius says one thing, and Prestianni says another. I don’t want to be ‘red’… and I don’t want to say that I 100% support Prestianni; but I can’t be ‘white’ and say that what Vinicius told me is the truth. I can’t, I don’t know; only that up until the goal, it was a great match.

I already said it in the flash interview, and I’ve tried to be more balanced than [Alvaro] Arbeloa and Mbappe. It’s not that I want to say Vinicius is a liar and mine is an incredible kid. They’ve gone down a different path. It happens in so many stadiums, and it’s always the same thing… Something’s not working. Vinicius scored a fantastic goal. Why didn’t he celebrate like Eusebio, Pele, or [Alfredo] Di Stefano? Why didn’t he? The game was over with that play.”

Mourinho’s comments were widely interpreted as dismissive, and Vinicius is said to have been “repulsed” by the framing of the situation. According to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, the Brazilian forward was angered not only by the apparent narrow-mindedness of a coach with decades of experience, but also by the implication that his goal celebration could be considered provocative.

UEFA and Authorities Step In

With tensions high, UEFA has launched a formal inquiry. The Portuguese government has also been monitoring developments. A verdict is expected in the coming days, and it could include sanctions against either individual or both clubs if any wrongdoing is confirmed.

Meanwhile, Mourinho is already facing a touchline ban for the return leg at Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday. He will likely be quizzed again on the Prestianni incident before and after the match, adding further scrutiny to an already tense situation.

For Vinicius, the focus remains on his football, but the incident highlights the challenges players face when racism allegations intersect with high-stakes European competition. His composure and ability to focus will be tested in the coming week, both on and off the pitch.

On-Field Drama Overshadows Key Goal

Vinicius’ strike, a sublime finish into the top corner, was the only goal of the game. Real Madrid now hold a narrow advantage heading into the second leg, but the wider story has inevitably been overshadowed by the incident.

The goal itself should have been celebrated as a moment of brilliance. Instead, it became entangled with accusations and confusion, halting the rhythm of the match for ten crucial minutes. While UEFA’s investigation will determine culpability, the episode has already sparked debate across social media, sports outlets, and pundit panels.

For the Blancos, the situation is double-edged: a victory, but with tensions inflamed; progress in the Champions League, but public controversy dominating headlines.

Vinicius Junior Gianluca Prestianni Real Madrid Benfica 2025-26

Vinicius’ Perspective

What is clear is that Vinicius feels deeply wronged by how the situation has been handled. Beyond the immediate accusations, he has been frustrated by what he sees as a lack of support from Mourinho, and the broader implications of being questioned for celebrating a goal.

His post-match remarks were measured yet firm, highlighting the cowardice of those who engage in racist behaviour and the failure of protocol to address the matter effectively. This is a player who has previously endured racist abuse and knows how it feels — making Mourinho’s comments, in Vinicius’ eyes, especially insensitive.

“Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are,” he said.

It is a pointed statement, reflecting both anger and a desire for justice. It also underscores the emotional toll these incidents can take on a player who should have been celebrated for his moment of brilliance.

What Comes Next

The UEFA investigation is expected to set a precedent. Whether Prestianni, Vinicius, or both face sanctions remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will prepare for the second leg, with a one-goal advantage but under the cloud of controversy.

Mourinho, meanwhile, remains a lightning rod. His handling of sensitive situations has often divided opinion, but in this instance, even seasoned observers have labelled his comments as “repulsive” and lacking empathy.

Vinicius, for his part, will be judged not only on his reaction off the pitch, but also on his ability to maintain focus on the task at hand — securing Real Madrid’s progression to the last-16.

The match itself may have been decided on the scoreline, but the wider narrative — race, respect, and responsibility in football — is far from over.

Vinicius Junior’s strike at Estadio da Luz was a moment of individual brilliance, but the aftermath reminds us that modern football is about far more than goals and glory. It is about accountability, the treatment of players, and the complex web of relationships between coaches, athletes, and governing bodies. For Vinicius, this may be another test of character — and one that extends far beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch.