Club legend’s extraordinary intervention contradicts the Argentine’s denial as Brazilian condemns “cowardly” behaviour
One of Benfica‘s greatest-ever players has delivered a damning public verdict on the Vinícius Junior racism controversy. Former captain Luisão directly called Gianluca Prestianni a “racist” and expressed shame over Wednesday night’s incident that halted the Champions League match against Real Madrid for 10 minutes.
Luisão‘s intervention carries immense weight given his 15-year tenure at the club and legendary status within Benfica‘s history.
The Brazilian centre-back didn’t mince words when responding to Prestianni’s statement denying he racially abused Vinícius during the match at the Estadio da Luz.
“This shirt is very important, I love Benfica; it’s my second skin, you have to be worthy to wear the sacred shirt, this text makes it worse because it’s a lie,” Luisão wrote on social media, referencing Prestianni’s explanation. “Football is won with grit, with a fighting spirit… He was racist, YES, and I’m ashamed of it.”
When fans questioned his stance, Luisão insisted his experience informed his certainty about what transpired, though he declined to elaborate on specifics.
“I defend the club and I have experience, I know what I’m talking about. I’m not judging anyone. I’m just saying that Benfica is too big to get involved in this, whether it’s true or not. Although, based on experience, I know the truth,” he wrote.
🗣️ Clarence Seedorf has hit out at Jose Mourinho following his comments about Vinicius Junior pic.twitter.com/R0U3P6La8N
— BBSportNews (@thebbsportnews) February 18, 2026
Suggested Articles
Vinícius delivers scathing assessment of racism protocol
The controversy erupted immediately after Vinícius scored Real Madrid‘s winner, celebrating in front of Benfica supporters before receiving a yellow card.
Prestianni confronted the Brazilian whilst pulling his shirt over his mouth, then said something that prompted Vinícius to run directly to referee François Letexier demanding action.
Letexier immediately activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol by crossing his arms in front of his face, halting the match for extended discussions involving both coaches and officials.
Play eventually resumed after approximately 10 minutes, but the incident overshadowed everything else about Real Madrid’s 0-1 victory.
Writing on Instagram afterwards in Portuguese, Vinícius condemned both the alleged abuse and how authorities responded.
“Racists are, above all, cowards,” he wrote. “They need to put their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are. But they have, on their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened here today was new in my life and my family’s.”
Vinícius then delivered pointed criticism of the protocol’s effectiveness despite being activated.
“I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why,” he continued. “On the other hand, just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.
“I don’t like appearing in situations like this, even more so after a great victory and when the headlines have to be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”