Champions League Playoff Marred by Racism Allegation: Vinícius Jr vs Prestianni Incident Explained

Vinicius Junior's sublime goal followed by ugly racism allegation

Champions League: Moments after Vinícius Júnior's stunning goal, Benfica's Prestianni allegedly called him a “monkey” – leading to referee activation of FIFA/UEFA anti-racism protocol and widespread condemnation.

Vinícius approached referee François Letexier, pointed toward Prestianni, and reported the abuse...”

The recent racism incident occurred during the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff first leg match between Benfica and Real Madrid on February 17, 2026, at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon.

Real Madrid won the game 1-0, with Vinícius Junior scoring a stunning goal in the 50th minute (early second half). Shortly after his goal and celebration, an alleged racist incident took place involving Vinícius and Benfica's Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni.

According to multiple reports:

Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt before directing a comment at Vinícius, which Vinícius and nearby Real Madrid teammates interpreted as a racial slur (some reports specify insults like calling him a “monkey”).

Vinícius approached referee François Letexier, pointed toward Prestianni, and reported the abuse.

The referee activated FIFA's anti-racism protocol by crossing his arms in an X shape (the “No Racism Gesture”), halting the match for approximately 10-11 minutes.

Play resumed after the delay, but the incident overshadowed the result.

First-leg victory for Real Madrid.#UCL pic.twitter.com/mKL1KDLZ7q

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 17, 2026

Vinicius later posted on Instagram, calling racists “cowards” who “need to put their shirt over their mouths to show how weak they are.” Real Madrid issued a statement confirming the report of racist insults from Prestianni.

Teammates supported Vinícius:

Federico Valverde expressed pride in him.

Kylian Mbappé (mentioned in some accounts) called for action, stating it was more important than football.

Trent Alexander-Arnold described it as a “disgrace.”

Benfica's side (including coach José Mourinho in post-match comments) denied institutional racism at the club, with Mourinho praising Vinicius' composure while addressing the controversy.

Vinicius Jr statement:

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.

I don't like to appear in situations like this, especially after a big win and when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it's necessary.

The match also saw tensions like objects thrown at Vinícius during celebration and other confrontations, but the core racism claim centered on the player-to-player exchange rather than widespread crowd chants (though some reports noted fan elements contributing to the atmosphere).

This adds to Vinicius' history of facing racism in matches, particularly in Spain. Investigations or further UEFA actions may follow, but no immediate sanctions were reported in initial coverage.

Pick your favourite goal ⚽️#UCLGOTD | @Heineken

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 17, 2026