Former Dutch player reveals barrage of threats after public defense of Vinícius Júnior By Beatriz
6 min read
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Former player Wesley Sneijder, idol of the Dutch national team and winner of Liga of Campeões for Inter of Isso occurred shortly after he expressed public support for Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid striker, in an episode of alleged racism during a match in the European competition. The incident took place at Estádio of Luz, at Lisboa, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during the confrontation between Benfica and
Sneijder commented on the case on a Dutch television program, criticizing the behavior of Argentine attacking midfielder Gianluca Prestianni, from Benfica. Ele highlighted that the player covered his mouth with his shirt when addressing Vinícius, which prevented a clear analysis by VAR. Segundo Sneijder, such an attitude shows a lack of courage, and he emphasized that football needs to firmly combat discriminatory attitudes. The statements generated immediate repercussions, especially among Argentine fans, resulting in direct messages with death threats and serious offenses.
The episode reflects the growing debate about racism in sport, with Vinícius Júnior being a recurring victim of insults on European pitches. Uefa opened an investigation into what happened, provisionally suspending Prestianni for one game, while Real Madrid provided evidence to the entity. Jogadores like Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga also publicly defended Vinícius, reinforcing the need for strict punishments to preserve football values.
Field incident details
The game between Benfica and Real Madrid ended in a 1-0 victory for the Spanish, with a goal scored by Vinícius Júnior five minutes into the second half. Logo after the celebration, which included a traditional dance from the player, Prestianni approached and, according to reports, repeatedly uttered racist insults. Vinícius reported the incident to French referee François Letexier, who activated Fifa’s anti-racism protocol, interrupting the match for around 11 minutes.
Mbappé, who was nearby, confirmed having heard the discriminatory term used five times against his teammate. Ele confronted Prestianni directly, calling him a racist, and after the game, declared that the Argentine no longer deserves to participate in Liga of Campeões. The interruption involved heated discussions between athletes from both teams, with the coach of Benfica, José Mourinho, intervening to calm the situation.
Immediate repercussions on Uefa
The European football governing body acted quickly to provisionally suspend Prestianni, based on Artigo 14 of Regulamento Disciplinar, which deals with discriminatory behavior. The investigation is ongoing, with an ethics inspector reviewing evidence including video footage and statements from players. Benfica appealed the decision, arguing that the suspension is premature and that it fully supports the version of its athlete, who denies the accusations.
Vinícius Júnior expressed frustration on social media, highlighting the cowardice of racists who hide behind gestures such as covering their mouths. The CBF issued a statement of repudiation, demanding strict punishment, while Fifa, through its president Gianni Infantino, expressed shock and defended the eradication of racism in sport. Organizações like Kick It Out criticized Mourinho for focusing on celebrating Vinícius instead of the denunciation.
Positions of former players
Other former athletes spoke out about the case, expanding the debate. Thierry Henry, a French icon, defended Vinícius on a British program, questioning Prestianni’s gesture covering his mouth and believing Mbappé’s statements. Luisão, former captain of Benfica and club idol, criticized the official statement from his old team, stating that the text worsens the situation by denying the obvious and expressing shame for what happened.
Sneijder, in turn, linked the threats received directly to his opinion broadcast on TV. Ele mentioned that the messages mostly came from Argentina, Prestianni’s country of origin, and ranged from personal offenses to explicit death threats. Apesar of the volume, the former player maintained his position, reiterating that football must prioritize respect and integrity.
Historical context of racism in football
Vinícius Júnior has faced more than two dozen racist incidents at Europa, resulting in legal proceedings at Espanha, with recent convictions against fans. Similar Casos involve crowd gestures, such as monkey imitations, also observed in the game against Benfica. Uefa has intensified protocols, but critics point to the slowness in definitive punishments.
The support of figures like Sneijder highlights international solidarity, but exposes risks for those who take a public stance. Organizações global groups push for anti-racist education in football academies, while European laws toughen penalties for hate crimes in sport. No Brasil, Ministério of Igualdade Racial monitors the case, defending joint actions with international entities.
Impact on match return
The return match, at Santiago Bernabéu, at Madri, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, takes place under tension. Real Madrid plays for a draw to advance, while Benfica needs to win by two goals difference. Mourinho, sent off in the first game, watches from the stands, and Prestianni is suspended, changing the teams’ strategies.
Fans and analysts predict reinforced security measures, with a focus on preventing new incidents. The winner faces the winner of Sporting against Manchester City, in a draw scheduled for February 27th by Uefa. The episode can influence performance, with Vinícius motivated to respond on the field.
Statements of international support
Kylian Mbappé emphasized respect for Benfica and Mourinho, but insisted on exemplary punishment for Prestianni, arguing that football values are at stake. Aurélien Tchouaméni, midfielder of Real Madrid, corroborated the accusations, reporting having heard the insults. Endrick, a young Brazilian striker from the same team, expressed solidarity online, calling Vinícius an inspiration.
Lewis Hamilton, driver of Fórmula 1, posted a message of support, highlighting the fight against discrimination in global sports. In the political sphere, the Brazilian minister, Gilmar Mendes, expressed repudiation, while national ministries issued notes demanding a thorough investigation.
Preventive measures in sport
Entities like Fifa promote educational campaigns, with mandatory training for referees and players on anti-racism protocols. Interrupting games has become standard, but experts advocate permanent suspensions and heavy fines for colluding clubs. In the current case, Uefa can impose a sentence of at least ten games if the accusations are confirmed.
European clubs invest in diversity programs, but incidents persist, revealing cultural challenges. No Brasil, laws such as the one that classifies racial insults as a heinous crime strengthen the fight, influencing international actions.
Analysis of the defenses involved
Prestianni published a defense on Instagram, alleging a misunderstanding and regretting threats received from Real Madrid players. Benfica reinforced its commitment to equality, citing history with Eusébio, the club’s black icon. Mourinho, in a press conference, balanced versions, but criticized the celebration of Vinícius as provocative.
Real Madrid cooperated with Uefa, sending all available evidence, and issued a statement condemning unacceptable acts of racism. Vinícius, despite the frustration, focused on the collective victory, avoiding additional controversies.
Perspectives for the future of the tournament
With the advancement to Liga of the Campeões in play, teams adjust tactics. Real Madrid counts on the home advantage and the return of injured players, while Benfica seeks to reverse the score without Prestianni. The incident could motivate larger campaigns for Uefa, with possible changes to regulations to speed up punishments.
Analysts predict increased surveillance in high-stakes games, with improved technology to capture audio and video. The case reinforces the importance of solidarity between athletes, as demonstrated by Sneijder and Mbappé.
