Kylian Mbappé ignited a firestorm after Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Benfica, following the controversial incident involving Vinicius Junior. The match ended in a 1–0 victory for Real Madrid, with the Brazilian star scoring in the 50th minute. However, the goal celebration turned into a shocking moment after allegations of racist abuse from a Benfica player.
The match was halted for approximately 10 minutes following Vinicius’s complaint—an unprecedented scene that reignited the debate about combating racism in European stadiums.
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Regarding the word used by Prestini that provoked Vinicius’s anger, Mbappé said: “He lifted his shirt and said ‘Vini’s a monkey’ five times. I heard it. Some Benfica players heard it too. And after that, everything we saw started.”
Mbappé described the incident as completely unacceptable, emphasizing the need to protect players and reject any racist behavior, and stressing that the incident should not be ignored. The French star explained that the incident affected the Brazilian player and that it is important to stand together and defend their teammates to protect the values of football.
Mbappé pointed out that European stadiums are equipped with state-of-the-art cameras and that any racist behavior can be documented and appropriate action taken. He emphasized his respect for Benfica and its fans but stressed that such behavior will not be tolerated in the future.
The incident sparked widespread controversy in the media, with many awaiting UEFA’s decisions regarding the matter, which could lead to severe penalties for those responsible for the abuse.
As Real Madrid takes a significant step toward qualifying for the round of 16, off-field events continue to dominate the headlines, while Mbappé warns that the continuation of such behavior could undermine the fundamental values of the game.
