Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior has claimed that he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani.
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Published February 19, 2026
Real Madrid have sent UEFA, Europe’s governing body, “all available evidence” of the alleged racist insult directed at Vinicius Junior during the Champions League game against Benfica.
“The club has been actively cooperating with the investigation launched by UEFA following the unacceptable incidents of racism experienced during that match,” the Spanish club said on Thursday, without elaborating on the evidence.
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UEFA on Wednesday appointed a special investigator to gather evidence about what happened in Lisbon on Tuesday, during Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League knockout clash.
Vinicius accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani of calling him a “monkey” after the Brazilian scored the only goal. Prestiani was also one of the Benfica players who was angry at Vinicius after the forward was celebrated at Benfica’s corner flag.
Prestiani covered his mouth with his shirt when speaking to the Brazilian player and denied racially abusing Vinicius, who is black and has suffered repeated racist insults in Spain.
“Real Madrid is grateful for the unanimous support, support and love that our player Vinicius Junior has received from all sectors of the world football community,” the club said. “Real Madrid remains committed to working with all institutions to eradicate racism, violence and hatred in sport and society.”
Benfica said Prestianni was the victim of a “defamation campaign” and welcomed the investigation launched by UEFA, saying they “fully support and believe in the version presented” by Prestianni.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday he was “shocked and saddened to see the alleged racist incident” and praised the referee for invoking anti-racism protocols during the match, which was suspended for nearly 10 minutes at the Stadium of Light.
