Vinicius Junior news

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'It shouldn't happen!' - Madrid icon demands 'strong' action in Vini Jr racism row

Real Madrid legend Keylor Navas has condemned the alleged racist abuse directed at Vinicius Jr during the midweek Champions League clash clash with Benfica. The veteran goalkeeper called for "strong punishment" against Gianluca Prestianni if the accusations prove to be correct to ensure such incidents never happen again.

Ancelotti confirms plan to sign new Brazil contract

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he intends to sign a new Brazil contract to keep him as manager of the Selecao beyond the 2026 World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The new deal would keep Ancelotti in the role until the 2030 World Cup and is expected to be signed in the coming weeks ahead of the build-up to this year's tournament, with the former Real Madrid boss relishing his new role in charge of the record five-time world champions.

Crystal Palace v Chelsea - Premier League

Rosenior sends anti-racism message after Vini Jr abuse

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has spoken out in support of Vinicius Jr after the alleged racial abuse suffered by the Real Madrid forward in their Champions League play-off tie with Benfica on Tuesday. Rosenior drew on his own experiences in the game and stated that those convicted of racial abuse do not deserve a place in football, as an ongoing investigation continues into the comments made by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.

Vinicius Junior Gianluca Prestianni Real Madrid Benfica 2025-26

Real Madrid reveal UEFA 'collaboration' in Vini investigation

Real Madrid have confirmed that they “actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA” following accusations of racist abuse being aimed at Vinicius Junior during the Blancos’ Champions League clash with Benfica. Gianluca Prestianni stands accused of making the comments in question, with ugly scenes playing out at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

Mark Clattenburg Vinicius Junior Gianluca Prestianni

Clattenburg issues apology after backlash to Vinicius comments

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has apologised for his “clumsy” analysis of the incident involving Real Madrid forward Vinicius and Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni that has seen allegations of racism surface. Clattenburg formed part of Amazon Prime Video’s coverage of a Champions League fixture that took place at Estadio da Luz.

Mourinho accused of 'gaslighting' Vinicius over Benfica chaos

Anti-racism charity Kick It Out has accused Benfica manager Jose Mourinho of 'gaslighting' Vinicius Junior following a controversial Champions League encounter. The fallout stems from Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory in Lisbon, where the Brazilian superstar reported being racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Amidst the tension, Mourinho suggested that the forward’s own behaviour and exuberant goal celebration had "incited" the hostile atmosphere and provoked the opposition players.

Vinicius Junior Prestianni Benfica Real Madrid

Portuguese government investigates Prestianni racism allegations

The Portuguese government has revealed that it will be conducting its own investigation into the allegations of racism that have been made against Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni. The 20-year-old Argentine was accused by Vinicius Junior of making racist comments during a Champions League knockout phase play-off fixture that took place at Estadio da Luz.

Gianni Infantino Vinicius Junior Real Madrid Champions League 2026

Infantino 'shocked and saddened' by Vinicius racial abuse allegations

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he is "shocked and saddened" by the allegations of racism from Vinicius Junior against Gianluca Prestianni. Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Benfica was paused for ten minutes after referee Francois Letexier initiated the anti-racism protocol before the fixture resumed. A strike from Vinicius proved to be the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win for Los Blancos.

Luisao Vinicius Junior Benfica Real Madrid Champions League 2026

Benfica legend accuses Prestianni of lying about 'racist act'

Benfica legend Luisao has criticised Gianluca Prestianni for lying about what he allegedly said to Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid's victory in Portugal on Tuesday night. The Champions League game was halted after the Brazilian reported racist abuse to referee Francois Letexier, but Benfica and manager Jose Mourinho have since defended Prestianni and accused Vinicius of inciting racism. Argentine midfielder Prestianni has also claimed Vinicius and his team-mates misheard the words he insisted he used.

SL Benfica v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg

Benfica slam 'defamation campaign' against Prestianni

Benfica have said that Gianluca Prestianni is the victim of a "defamation campaign" while backing up the winger's claim that he did not racially abuse Vinicius Junior in Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Vinicius alleged that Prestianni directed a racial slur at him after the Real Madrid star celebrated scoring the opening goal in the first leg of the knockout stage play-off tie.

UEFA confirms investigation into Vinicius' racist abuse allegations

UEFA has officially opened a disciplinary investigation into Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni following allegations of racist behaviour during the first leg of their Champions League play-off clash against Real Madrid. The European governing body confirmed the appointment of an ethics and disciplinary inspector to look into the events at the Estadio da Luz, where Madrid secured a 1-0 victory. The flashpoint occurred shortly after Vinicius Jr found the net, leading to a significant delay as the Brazilian international and several team-mates confronted the opposition and the referee regarding a deeply offensive slur.

Henry calls on Prestianni to tell truth about Vinicius incident

Thierry Henry has called on Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni to tell the truth about his altercation with Vinicius Junior during Tuesday's Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Estadio da Luz. Vinicius has alleged that Prestianni directed a racial slur at him during the game, which led to the match being halted for 10 minutes. Henry has now responded with an emotional speech regarding the continued prevalence of racism in football.

Jose Mourinho Vinicius Junior racism row GFX

Hypocrite Mourinho hit new low with Vinicius racism row reaction

Did Gianluca Prestianni racially abuse Vinicius Junior at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday night? We don't know. Not yet at least. And that's mainly because the Argentine very deliberately covered his mouth with his shirt as he exchanged words with Vinicius after being inexplicably enraged by the Brazilian celebrating his 50th-minute goal with a little dance in front of the corner flag.

'Messi won that for you!' - Otamendi roasted for taunting Vinicius

The fiery Champions League encounter between Benfica and Real Madrid has sparked a war of words off the pitch, with former Los Blancos midfielder Wesley Sneijder leading the charge. The Dutch legend did not hold back in his assessment of Nicolas Otamendi’s behaviour during the clash at the Estádio da Luz, where the veteran defender was seen taunting Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior following a heated exchange on the field. The tension reached boiling point during a stoppage related to the competition's racism protocol, during which Otamendi chose to flex his ink in the face of the Real Madrid winger. The former Manchester City man pointed specifically to his tattoos commemorating Argentina's recent triumphs, including the 2022 World Cup, the Finalissima, and the Copa America, in an apparent attempt to pull rank over the young Brazilian regarding international honours.

Benfica fans spotted directing racist gestures at Vinicius Jr

Benfica fans have been spotted directing racist gestures at Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior during Tuesday's Champions League clash with Los Blancos. An ugly night at the Estadio da Luz also saw the match halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr reported alleged racist abuse to the match referee after an altercation with Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.

Benfica defend Prestianni amid Vinicius racism row

The fallout from a volatile Champions League knockout phase playoff clash between Benfica and Real Madrid has taken a dramatic turn, as the Portuguese giants have moved to publicly defend Gianluca Prestianni. The fallout from the match, which was marred by serious allegations of racism directed at Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior, has descended into a series of public statements and finger-pointing. After Prestianni initially denied the accusations, Benfica took to social media to offer an unwavering show of solidarity with their young Argentine midfielder.

Frequently asked questions

: Phil Foden usually plays as a right winger for Manchester City, using his stronger left foot to cut in and create scoring opportunities. Thanks to his versatility, he has also been deployed on the left of a front three, or in a more centrally influential role as the #10.
: Phil Foden was born in Stockport in Greater Manchester region, England.
: Ever since making his debut for Man City, Phil Foden has sported the No. 47 jersey, which he wears in honour of his late grandfather, Ronnie, who died at the age of 47.
: Phil Foden stands at 1.71m (5ft 7in), making him one of the shortest players in the Man City setup. Although he doesn't possess the extra strength, he is blessed with nimble footwork, with his low centre of gravity aiding him in drifting past opponents with ease.
: Phil Foden weighs 70kg (154 lbs), with his low weight and diminuitive physique allowing him to skilfully dribble past players and function in half spaces.
: Phil Foden joined the Manchester City academy in 2009 and broke into the first team in the 2017-18 season.
: Phil Foden has three children with long-term partner Rebecca Cooke - two sons and a daughter.
: While Phil Foden isn't married yet, he has been in a long-term relationship with girlfriend Rebecca Cooke, with the couple welcoming their third child during Euro 2024.

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