Kylian Mbappé demands Benfica player banned for racism against Vinícius Júnior in the Champions League

Striker Kylian Mbappé, from Real Madrid, publicly defended his teammate Vinícius Júnior after an episode of racism that occurred during the 1-0 victory over Benfica, in The incident involved Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni, number 25 on the Portuguese team, accused of making repeated racist insults to the Brazilian. Mbappé confirmed having heard the offenses and demanded severe punishment, stating that the athlete no longer deserves to play in the European competition.

The match, played on February 17, 2026 at Estádio of Luz, was interrupted for 11 minutes after Vinícius Júnior reported the insults to the French referee François Letexier. Fifa’s anti-racism protocol was activated, and images showed Mbappé directly confronting Prestianni on the field, calling him a racist. The winning goal came from Vinícius Júnior, five minutes into the second half, but the moment was overshadowed by controversy.

Mbappé’s statements after the game

Mbappé gave an interview in the mixed zone and directly detailed what happened. Ele revealed that Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt to utter the insult “monkey” five times against Vinícius Júnior. The Frenchman emphasized that other Benfica players also heard the insults, and classified the act as unacceptable and inhumane.

The French striker stated that Real Madrid considered abandoning the match in protest. However, Vinícius Júnior convinced his teammates to continue playing. Mbappé highlighted the need to set an example for children who follow the sport, reinforcing that behavior like this cannot have space in the main club competition of Europa.

Reaction of the accused player

Prestianni denied the accusations in a post on social media. Ele claimed that Vinícius Júnior misinterpreted what he heard and that he never committed a racist act. The Argentine also mentioned having received threats from Real Madrid athletes during the confusion on the field.

Uefa announced preventive suspension of Prestianni on February 23, 2026, while investigating the case. Benfica issued a statement with a video of the moment, but neither confirmed nor denied the athlete’s words.

Positioning of Vinícius Júnior

Vinícius Júnior used social media to speak out about the episode. Ele classified the perpetrators of racism as cowards, especially for using their shirts to hide their mouths during the insults. The Brazilian recalled that the act reinforces impunity when punishments are mild.

The player has already registered multiple complaints of racism since his arrival in Spanish football. Ele maintained the stance of continuing to celebrate goals with dances, even in the face of constant provocation.

Context of the match and developments

Real Madrid secured a minimum advantage for the return game at Santiago Bernabéu, scheduled for February 25, 2026. The victory came amid off-field tension, with the anti-racism protocol being activated for the first time in this confrontation.

Mbappé expressed respect for Benfica and coach José Mourinho, considered one of the best in history. Ele separated the institution from the individual behavior of the accused player. Outros companions, like Aurélien Tchouaméni, corroborated the statements about the offenses heard.

• Prestianni uses a shirt to cover his mouth during alleged offenses.
• Outage lasted 11 minutes with protocol Fifa.
• Mbappé confronts the Argentine on the field.
• Real Madrid thinks about leaving, but continues at the request of Vini Jr.

Investigation underway

Uefa conducts a formal investigation of the case, with the possible application of sanctions to the player and the club. Federações involved monitor the process to ensure rigor in punishment. The incident reignites debate about the effectiveness of anti-racism protocols in European football.

The episode highlights the persistence of problems of racial discrimination in stadiums. Mbappé reinforced that exemplary punishments are essential to prevent new occurrences and protect athletes.

Real Madrid continues preparing for its return, focusing on classification. Vinícius Júnior maintains a training routine and avoids delving into public comments beyond social media.