Vinicius case: Benfica launches investigation

Europe 20 February 2026 at 15:29

Aliou Toundé

News Editor

Benfica has announced the launch of an internal investigation following racist acts aimed at Vinícius Júnior during the UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid CF.

A video circulating on social media shows two supporters making monkey gestures towards the Brazilian forward. The Portuguese club responded swiftly. "If they are club members, the procedure could lead to their expulsion," a spokesperson told AFP.

The match, won by Real Madrid on Tuesday, was marred by this controversy. Additionally, Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni is accused of using the term "mono" towards Vinícius. The 20-year-old Argentine midfielder strongly denies these allegations. UEFA has also opened its own investigation to shed light on these incidents.