The Prestianni–Vinícius Case: Everything That’s Happened Since Benfica vs Real Madrid
LISBON, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 17: Gianluca Prestianni of SL Benfica confronts Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid C.F. after Vinicius goal celebration during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio da Luz on February 17, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.
(Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) | Getty Images Twenty-four hours later, the football is still secondary. Real Madrid’s 1–0 victory at the Estádio da Luz should have been remembered for Vinícius Júnior’s brilliant second-half goal and a disciplined away performance in Europe.
Instead, the match is now the center of multiple investigations, political involvement, global reactions, and an escalating war of narratives — including some unacceptable tolerance from Benfica’s side. Here’s everything you may have missed — and where things stand now. What Happened on the Pitch Vinícius scored the only goal of the match and celebrated near the corner flag and received an unwarranted yellow card.
Shortly afterward, he approached referee François Letexier to report that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni had directed racist language toward him. Prestianni had to cover his mouth with his shirt while speaking. Letexier immediately activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, stopping the match for approximately eight minutes while the situation was assessed.
Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappé, were visibly furious. Madrid players were ready to leave the pitch before eventually returning to complete the match. The game resumed. Madrid saw out the win. New Video Angle Emerges A new alternate-angle video has since surfaced, providing additional context: Please watch this video..
immediately vini heard it he ran to the referee, mbappe turned suprised at what he heard and There was no conversation between vini and mbappe but mbappe immediately started calling that guy a racist.. Mbappe wasnt supporting vini because vini told… https://t.co/yD1vHSImU6 pic.twitter.com/MsFLS7zmsL — STOP THAT LAMINE!!!!
(@bayern_MOB) February 18, 2026 In the footage, Prestianni is seen speaking while Vinícius’ back is turned, meaning the Brazilian could not see whether his mouth was covered. Vinícius immediately runs to the referee to report what was said. Mbappé, standing nearby, reacts strongly — confronting Prestianni and repeatedly calling him a racist.
The footage challenges Benfica’s early suggestion that Real Madrid players were too far away to hear or understand what was said. Mbappé stated in the mixed zone that he heard Prestianni call Vinícius a monkey five times. Prestianni has denied that accusation.
VIDEO: Mbappé to Prestianni — “You’re a fucking racist ”: 🚨 Kylian Mbappé to Prestianni: “YOU ARE A F**KING RACIST.” pic.twitter.com/4XZXCqJKbX https://t.co/WXqT8SdvwQ — SimplyUtd (@SimplyUtd) February 17, 2026 Every detail of the incident🎥 When Mbappe said he heard him call Vini monkey 5 times, they said it wasn’t possible like they were on the pitch.
Look at how long Mbappe had been going at Prestianni, even before Vini reported the incident. pic.twitter.com/aNtGHD4Eqk — Ken (@K3N3_X) February 18, 2026 UEFA Investigation Officially Opened UEFA has now confirmed that an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate the matter.