“Vini was not just happy to score that astonishing goal and the game was over,” Mourinho, who was sent off later in the match, said to Amazon Prime. “When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.”
When asked whether Vinicius Jr incited the crowd and Benfica players, Mourinho replied: “Yes, I believe so. The words they exchanged, Prestianni with Vinicius, I want to be independent, I don’t want to say, ‘I believe Prestianni or don’t believe Vinicius’, because they told two completely different things.
“I told him (Vinicius Jr) that when you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back. When he was arguing about racism, I told him that the biggest person in the history of this club is Black. This club, the last thing that it is, is racist. If in his mind, there was something racist — this is Benfica.
“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. Every stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens. Always.
Asked if he thought it might not be true, Mourinho replied: “I’m saying it was a good 50 minutes of football. I believe millions of people watching him around the world saw an absolutely crazy goal and then, game over.”
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho accused Vinicius Junior of inciting an incident that ended with the Real Madrid forward alleging racist abuse during the two sides’ Champions League play-off game on Tuesday night.
Mourinho also said he had reminded Vinicius Jr that “the biggest… pic.twitter.com/XQZrS6LZIl
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) February 18, 2026
🚨🛑 Vinicius Jr tells the referee and then José Mourinho that Gianluca Prestianni has racially abused him.
Vini said Prestianni racially insulted while covering his mouth with the shirt.@JosePadi_ 🎥 pic.twitter.com/ffhgLgWB1P
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 17, 2026
"I don't like Real Madrid, but i'm a Madridista tonight."
Powerful words from Thierry Henry on solidarity across football 🤍 pic.twitter.com/NM3aKXTRMI
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 18, 2026