Vinícius – Prestianni: "What he said is unacceptable," says Valverde

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·18. Februar 2026

Vinícius – Prestianni: "What he said is unacceptable," says Valverde

The clash between Real Madrid and Benfica didn't end with just Vinícius Júnior's winning goal. After the match, it was Federico Valverde's statements that truly made headlines.

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According to several sources, Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni allegedly made racist remarks towards Vinícius, covering his mouth with his shirt as he spoke. Valverde didn't hold back in his condemnation:

When someone covers their mouth to speak, it's because they know they're saying something very wrong. He used a word that should never be uttered on a football pitch. What he said is pathetic and extremely serious.

These powerful words have reignited the debate about respect and the fight against racism at the forefront of European football news.