Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has called for Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni to be banned from playing in the UEFA Champions League.
Mbappe’s call stems from Prestianni’s alleged involvement in a racism row directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. during a heated moment in a UEFA Champions League clash.
Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0 in the first of two legs in the Champions League playoffs with Vinicius Jr scoring the game winner in a spectacular fashion.
After his goal celebration sparked a bust up between players of the two teams, Prestianni was caught on camera covering his mouth before allegedly hurling racist insults at Vinicius Jr.
Brazilian international, Vinicius Jr reported the incident to the referee who halted the game for 10 minutes before play was restarted. Reports indicate that investigations into the incident have commenced.
Kylian Mbappe via Getty Images
Speaking on the alleged racist incident, Mbappe voiced his support for Vinicius Jr. and added that Prestianni doesn’t deserve to play in the UEFA Champions League.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid speaks to referee Francois Letexier during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid C.F. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica speaks towards Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid C.F. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“Benfica’s number 25, I don’t even want to say his name because he doesn’t deserve it. He puts his shirt over his mouth to say, “Vini is a Monkey” five times. I heard it. This player doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League” Mbappe said according to ESPN.
BAILA @vinijr and please never stop.
They will never tell us what we have to do or not. ✊🏽
