Real Madrid’s 1–0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League playoff first leg should have been a night of celebration for Vinícius Jr. Instead, his match-winning strike was eclipsed by the 20th reported incident of racial abuse in his eight-year career at the club.
The Brazilian forward secured the win at Estádio da Luz with a clinical top-corner finish, surpassing legendary compatriots to become the second-highest scoring Brazilian in UCL history.
However, the atmosphere soured after Vinícius celebrated with a “Roger Milla” shimmy, a move Benfica coach José Mourinho labeled disrespectful, suggesting the player should have honored icons like Eusébio instead.
The tension turned systemic when Vinícius accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of repeatedly calling him “mono” (monkey). The allegation triggered UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, halting play for nearly ten minutes as players stood in a somber circle.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe offered blistering support, stating he witnessed the abuse firsthand: “This guy doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League anymore.”
While Prestianni and Benfica have denied the claims, citing distance and “misinterpretation,”
UEFA has officially opened an investigation under Article 14. Potential sanctions include stadium closures or multi-match bans.
Article 14 of UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations are clear:
“Any entity or person subject to these regulations who insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, incurs a suspension lasting at least 10 matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.”
“The headlines should be about football, but this is necessary,” Vinícius posted afterward, calling racists “cowards.” As the teams prepare for the return leg in Madrid, the focus shifts from the scoreboard to a sport once again forced to confront its deepest systemic failures.
