New footage reveals Kylian Mbappe calling out Benfica star as demands ban in explosive interview

Feb 18, 2026 - 09:45
New footage reveals Kylian Mbappe calling out Benfica star as demands ban in explosive interview

Kylian Mbappe insists Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni should ‘never play in the Champions League anymore’ following accusations he racially abused Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius Jr alleged Prestianni made the comments after the Brazilian scored the only goal of Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday.

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid in a clash with Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica during the UEFA Champions League match between Benfica v Real Madrid
The Real Madrid superstar immediately reported Prestianni’s alleged racial abuse to the official
Getty

The unsavoury incident sparked a ten-minute pause in the contest as Vinicius Jr informed referee Francois Letexier of the alleged comments and then walked off the field, following UEFA’s protocols when a player claims they have been subject to racial abuse.

What did Mbappe say in his interview?

Following the contest, Mbappe leapt to the defence of his teammate and tore into Prestianni in an interview with Teledeporte.

“Prestianni clearly called Vinir Jr a monkey, it happened five times,” Mbappe said.

“I saw that. UEFA have the best cameras, now we wait.

“This is not acceptable. It’s not my kind of human being.”

Mbappe added: “Benfica are a top club, nothing against them, but Prestianni should never play in the Champions League anymore.”

Mbappe vents fury on the pitch

Along with the furious post-match interview, footage has emerged of an incensed Mbappe ripping into Prestianni on the pitch.

In the clip, Mbappe allegedly said to Prestianni: “Eres un p*** racista.”

The quote translates to: “You’re a f****** racist.”

Prestianni has denied the accusations, stating Vinicius Jr ‘regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard.’

Kylian Mbappe tears into Gianluca Prestianni
Mbappe was incensed during and after the match regarding Prestianni’s alleged comments
RM4 Arab

The Argentinian added on Instagram: “I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”

UEFA address Vinicius Jr incident

UEFA addressed the matter in a statement released on Wednesday.

“The official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed,” the statement read.

“Where matters are reported, proceedings are opened and should they lead to disciplinary sanctions being imposed, they are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website.

“We have no further information to provide you or any further comment to make at this stage.”

Ugly scenes at the Estadio da Luz continued following the incident, as Benfica fans hurled objects at Vinicius Jr and Trent Alexander-Arnold while they prepared to take a corner.

Jose Mourinho restrained during Benfica vs Real Madrid
Mourinho will return to the Bernabeu, but won’t be on the sidelines
Getty

Jose Mourinho given marching orders

Prestianni’s alleged racial comments were one of several flashpoints in the fiery end to the contest, as Benfica boss Jose Mourinho saw red for a separate incident.

The iconic manager was given his marching orders for dissent, having initially picked up a yellow card for his furious protests of a decision late in the match.

Due to the red card, Mourinho will be absent from the touchline for the second leg of Benfica and Madrid’s Champions League play-off at the Bernabeu on February 25.

Benfica boss Jose Mourinho was also criticised for suggesting Vinicius had provoked the abuse.

Mourinho had said to Amazon Prime: “I told him, when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back. They (Vinicius and Prestianni) told me different things. But I don’t believe in one or another. I want to be an independent.”

Kylian Mbappe remonstrating with Gianluca Prestianni
Mbappe was seen slamming Prestianni before giving his bombshell interview

talkSPORT’s verdict

European football expert Kevin Hatchard said he was disappointed that somebody of Mourinho’s stature would make comments like that.

He told talkSPORT Breakfast: “If you look at what Jose Mourinho has said, there is a narrative in general, regardless of this specific incident. There is a narrative in general about Vinicius Jr.

“I felt this was probably going to happen.”

He added: “So there have been supporters who have been given criminal sanctions in Spain for racist abuse. 

“Around those incidents, there is always this debate, this narrative. He brings it on himself, he dances, he celebrates too much, he provokes. 

“There’s never an excuse for this kind of thing, never an excuse for racist abuse.

“That part of the narrative I think needs to go, but unfortunately it keeps coming back up and that’s why I was so disappointed that somebody with Mourinho’s platform and his stature would make comments of that nature. He knows that’s part of the narrative.”

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