Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has called for UEFA to impose a Champions League ban on Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni after the Argentine winger was accused of directing racial abuse at Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. The explosive incident occurred during Tuesday’s tense Champions League playoff first-leg encounter in Lisbon, which Real Madrid ultimately won 1-0.
The controversy erupted shortly after Vinicius broke the deadlock with a superb second-half curler. Television cameras captured Prestianni apparently covering his mouth with his shirt before making a remark that Vinicius and several teammates immediately interpreted as racially motivated. The situation escalated rapidly, with footage showing an visibly angered Mbappe confronting Prestianni directly, allegedly labeling him ‘a bloody racist’ to his face.
Match official Francois Letexier was forced to halt proceedings for eleven minutes while implementing FIFA’s anti-racism protocols. When play eventually resumed, the atmosphere turned increasingly hostile as home supporters directed persistent boos toward both Vinicius and Mbappe whenever they touched the ball.
Prestianni vehemently denied the allegations through a statement on his Instagram account, asserting: ‘I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.’
However, Mbappe provided reporters with a contradictory account, claiming he heard Prestianni repeat the same racist remark multiple times—an allegation supported by French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The Real Madrid forward revealed he had been prepared to lead his team off the pitch in protest but was persuaded by Vinicius to continue the match.
Mbappe delivered a powerful statement to media: ‘We cannot accept that there is a player in Europe’s top football competition who behaves like this. This guy doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League anymore. We have to set an example for all the children watching us at home. What happened today is the kind of thing we cannot accept because the world is watching us.’ When questioned about whether Prestianni had offered any apology, Mbappe responded with dismissive laughter.
Vinicius later took to social media to express his profound frustration, posting: ‘Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouth with their shirt to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or my family’s life.’
The Brazilian international has been subjected to repeated racist abuse throughout his career in Spain, with official records indicating 18 separate legal complaints filed regarding racist behavior targeting Vinicius since 2022. The two clubs are scheduled to meet again for the decisive second leg at Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium next Wednesday, where tensions are expected to remain high.