Kylian Mbappé has commented on the events that followed Vinícius Júnior’s goal, stating that he celebrated and then faced whistles from the stands, which he considers normal. He added that tension arose with the Benfica players, a scenario he believes is expected in a Champions League match where everyone is eager to win for their fans.
In remarks published on the Real Madrid official website, Mbappé addressed Benfica’s number 25 player, stating that he does not deserve to be addressed poorly. He was referring to Argentine winger Julián Brizzi. Mbappé continued that Brizzi lifted his shirt and allegedly called Vinícius a monkey five times. He noted that he heard this himself, as did several Benfica players, and that this moment marked the beginning of the escalation.
Mbappé called for the matter to be explained calmly without generalization. He emphasized that he has visited Portugal many times and nothing like this has ever happened. He believes it is important to speak clearly in such situations. He pointed out that there are people who did not commit any mistakes and that there are 70,000 people who wanted to support their team. While he expressed respect for Benfica and their coach José Mourinho, he stated that this player does not deserve to play in the Champions League anymore. He argued that the tournament inspires everyone, especially children, and if such incidents are allowed, football loses its meaning and values. He called for action to be taken.
Mbappé began by emphasizing that they are in the Champions League, the stage with the best cameras in the world. He urged people to look at Brizzi’s face when he saw the players’ reaction. He insisted that such matters should not be ignored. He went to Vinícius’s side because the Brazilian no longer wanted to play, and as he stated before the Monaco match, players cannot be left alone in such situations. They must unite to defend one of their own.
Mbappé explained that he and his teammates also spoke to Benfica officials. However, he stated that he cannot be angry at them because they did not hear what happened, making it difficult to express an opinion at that moment. He acknowledged it would be unfair to say the management did not defend them, but felt those close to them should have acted. He mentioned that Mourinho attempted to calm the situation and understand what occurred.
The incident occurred shortly after Vinícius scored for Real Madrid. The referee, François Letexier, suspended the match for 11 minutes after activating the FIFA protocol to combat racism. Television footage showed the Argentine player covering his mouth with his shirt, an action interpreted by Vinícius and his teammates as a racist insult directed at the 25-year-old, who has faced racist incidents in matches in Spain before.
Madrid players threatened to leave the pitch as tension mounted, before the match eventually resumed after the 11-minute break. The atmosphere became hostile, with Vinícius facing loud whistles every time he touched the ball. Broadcasts showed Mbappé visibly angry, calling Brizzi a “racist in the eye” several times after the match resumed. Tensions flared again in the 85th minute when Vinícius fouled Richard Reis. Mourinho rushed toward the fourth official demanding a second yellow card for the Brazilian, but received a card himself for his protest. The coach continued to protest and received a second yellow card. The second leg of the tie will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium on Wednesday.
