UEFA has this afternoon confirmed it will investigate an alleged act of racism towards Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr during last night’s Champions League game against Benfica.
European football’s governing body has opted to examine an incident in the play-off, first leg clash when Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni was accused of calling Vinícius Jr a “monkey” shortly after the Brazil international had opened the scoring with a stunning strike.
In a statement, it said: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out Play-off between Club Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026.
“Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”
What happened between Prestianni and Vinicius?
The game was interrupted for eight minutes after Vinicius scored to give Madrid the lead six minutes into the second half.
As the players prepared to restart, Vinicius ran to the referee to allege Prestianni used a racial slur while covering his mouth with his shirt.
However, the 20-year-old insisted that was not the case and said Vinicius Jr had misheard his remark.
Writing on social media, Prestianni said: “I want to clarify that at no time did I insult Vinícius Jr who, unfortunately, misinterpreted something he thinks he heard. I’ve never been racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from the Real Madrid players.”
He added later: “If they say that, supposedly, I directed a racist insult to Vinícius Jr, why did no-one react? Accusing others of something serious is not correct, much less when it is not true. Everyone is pointing the finger at me for covering my mouth with the jersey when they know that all soccer players do it when they talk [to each other]. Stop inventing things.”
Mourinho blames Vinicius Jr for celebrations
Benfica’s former Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has come under fire for suggesting Vinicius Jr had disrespected the home crowd for over-celebrating his brilliant strike.
Asked if had incited the home supporters, the Portuguese said: “Yes. I believe so.
“It should be the crazy moment of the game, an amazing goal. Unfortunately [he was] not just happy to score that astonishing goal. When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.”
Benfica also stand by Prestianni
Benfica appear to be standing by Prestianni and released video footage in the early hours that they claim shows no other Madrid player can claim to hear what Vinicius Jr has alleged.
However, the film shows Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe already in dialogue with Prestianni before the Benfica man then covers his mouth and appears to make a remark towards Vinicius Jr.
