19.02.2026 11:20
During the Benfica match, Vinicius Jr claimed that Benfica's Prestianni called him a "monkey" while leaving the field due to racist chants; in the footage that emerged after the incident, Antonio Rüdiger appears disturbed by Vinicius's behavior and later makes an apology gesture towards the stands.
Racist chants aimed at Vinicius Jr marked the match between Real Madrid and Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. The Brazilian star left the field due to the remarks from the stands after scoring a goal, and the referee stopped the match.
"HE SAID MONKEY TO ME" ALLEGATION
Vinicius Jr, who returned to the field, claimed that Benfica player Prestianni called him a "monkey" by going to the referee. The incident quickly caused a huge uproar both on the field and on social media.
RÜDIGER'S GESTURE TO THE FANS
In the footage that emerged after the match, Real Madrid's Antonio Rüdiger was seen disturbed by the tension during Vinicius's goal celebration and making an apologetic gesture towards the stands.