During a Champions League match in February 2026, Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse, leading to a ten-minute stoppage as the incident sparked a serious investigation by UEFA.
The match, which concluded with Real Madrid winning 1-0, was overshadowed by the allegations, igniting a significant conversation around racism in football.
Prominent figures in the football community, including Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold, rallied behind Vinícius, demanding justice and emphasizing the need for respect in the sport.
Controversy erupted around Benfica's coach, José Mourinho, who faced criticism for suggesting that Vinícius had provoked the incident with his goal celebration, accusations that many viewed as victim blaming.
In a powerful response, Vinícius declared that "racists are cowards," using the platform to advocate for the fight against discrimination in football and beyond.
This incident highlighted the ongoing struggle against racism in sports, positioning Vinícius as a symbol of resistance and igniting a broader call for change and accountability in the football community.
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