The Champions League round of 16 first-leg match between Real Madrid and Benfica, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid, witnessed a new and regrettable chapter in the ongoing saga of racist abuse targeting Brazilian star Vinicius Junior. After scoring the game's only goal in spectacular fashion, Vinicius accused Benfica player Gianluca Brestiani of directing a racist insult at him, leading to a stoppage of more than ten minutes while the anti-racism protocol was enforced.
Following the confrontation, Vinicius didn't remain silent. Instead, he took to Instagram to express his anger, posting a powerful message attacking those he called "cowards," saying: "Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show how weak they are." He added, alluding to the lack of deterrent action: "But they enjoy the protection of others who are theoretically obligated to impose punishment.".
A historical context of suffering
This incident is not the first of its kind; rather, it is part of a long series of abuses Vinicius has suffered since arriving in Spain. The Brazilian player has become a global symbol in the fight against discrimination in stadiums due to the repeated targeting he has endured. Among the most prominent previous incidents was what he experienced at Valencia's Mestalla stadium in May 2023, where racist chants against him led to the match being stopped and him weeping on the pitch, a scene that shocked the football world. Also infamous was the hanging of an effigy bearing his name by Atlético Madrid fans on a bridge in the Spanish capital in a clear hate crime, incidents that resulted in investigations and limited legal convictions.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
This incident is particularly significant because it occurred in the Champions League, the most prestigious club competition in the world, highlighting that this scourge is not confined to La Liga but extends across European football. Vinicius's unwavering stance and persistent advocacy are forcing football federations, most notably UEFA, to review their protocols and implement stricter penalties. Internationally, this incident reinforces Vinicius's role as a FIFA Goodwill Ambassador and head of a special anti-racism committee, giving his cause global momentum and putting pressure on the entire football system to take concrete steps beyond mere slogans and media campaigns. Vinicius has transformed from a victim into a leader in this fight, and each new incident only strengthens his resolve and garners further support for his cause.
For his part, Prestini denied the accusations via his social media accounts, a stance supported by his club Benfica and his coach José Mourinho, who criticized Vinicius's celebration as "provocative." Conversely, the Brazilian star received widespread support from his teammates and prominent figures in the football world. Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde expressed his pride in his teammate's stance, while stars like Kylian Mbappé called for decisive action to stop this phenomenon, which they believe is damaging the reputation of football.
