How Real Madrid's Vinicius became repeated target of racist abuse

Vinicius Junior netted an impressive goal, yet the main topic after Real Madrids victory against Benfica on Tuesday centred on yet another case of suspected racist abuse directed at the Brazilian forward.

The Champions League playoff first leg paused for ten minutes as players left the field following Vinicius report to referee Francois Letexier that Benficas Gianluca Prestianni had referred to him as a monkey.

The 20 year old Argentine midfielder, who pulled his shirt over his mouth while seeming to speak to Vinicius, rejects the claim of racially insulting the Real Madrid player.

Since joining the Spanish club from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has turned into a frequent recipient of racist abuse.

The 25 year old has faced numerous prominent episodes, mainly in Spain.

In January 2023, Atletico supporters dangled an effigy of Vinicius from a bridge close to Real Madrids training facility.

Four months afterwards, Vinicius confronted abusive fans at Valencias Mestalla stadium, an event that garnered global backing for his fight against racism.

I am not a victim of racism. I am a tormentor of racists, Vinicius posted on social media platform X in 2024, following the guilty verdict for three Valencia fans who insulted him that day.

This initial criminal conviction in Spains history is not solely for me. It is for every black person.

In 2025, five Real Valladolid supporters, who racially insulted Vinicius during a 2022 game, received a guilty ruling from a court for a hate crime, marking the first such decision in Spain concerning stadium insults in football.

Countless other occurrences have taken place, including recently when Albacete fans chanted a racist song about the forward outside their ground prior to eliminating Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey in January.

The encounter with Benfica in the Champions League represents the initial occasion where Vinicius has pointed fingers at a fellow player for racism.

Racists are primarily cowards. They must cover their mouths with shirts to reveal their frailty, he stated on social media.

Viniciuss colleague Kylian Mbappe urged for Prestianni exclusion from the tournament.

This individual does not merit playing in the Champions League once more, that is my view, Mbappe informed journalists.

Why always Vini?

A common query is why Vinicius faces racist abuse so frequently, unlike other Real Madrid team members.

Something is amiss since it occurs in every venue, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho remarked to Amazon Prime, placing responsibility on the Brazilian.

In a stadium hosting Vinicius, an incident arises every time.

Without question, the forward provokes reactions through his on pitch style and conduct, though these elements do not excuse racist behaviour.

Vinicius has served as Madrids primary offensive force for multiple seasons, at least before Mbappes joining, and remains the squads top dribbler.

As someone who challenges defenders constantly, at times outmanoeuvring them with deft skills, he endures more fouls, attracting ire from the crowd who frequently think he simulates.

Vinicius expresses emotions openly, and being highly expressive, his loud protests and pleas to officials irritate opposing supporters and players.

The forward occasionally interacts directly with irksome home crowds, using gestures to highlight his achievements or their shortcomings.

Certain fans perceive the abuse as a tactic to unsettle him, to provoke and disrupt his focus.

Viniciuss goal celebrations occasionally draw criticism, such as during the Benfica match when he danced with the corner flag in front of the local supporters.

Supporters hurled items onto the field towards him, and it was during this sequence that he and Prestianni confronted each other.

Dance Vini, and kindly never cease, Mbappe posted on X. They will never dictate our actions.

His vocal opposition to racism has heightened his profile as a target, and the mistreatment persists.