Real Madrid winger Vinícius Jr. said that Benfica player Gabriel Prestianni used a racial slur during a match between the two clubs [1].
The incident highlights the ongoing struggle against racism in professional football, where high-profile players frequently face targeted abuse on the pitch.
According to reports from February 2026, Vinícius Jr. said that Prestianni called him "mono" [1]. The Brazilian winger filed a formal complaint regarding the incident, alleging he was subjected to a racist insult during the competition [1].
Gabriel Prestianni now faces significant disciplinary action for the alleged conduct. The player risks a sanction of up to 10 matches [1]. This potential suspension would be one of the more severe penalties handed down for on-field racial abuse in recent seasons.
Vinícius Jr. has been a prominent voice in the fight against discrimination in sports. This latest encounter adds to a history of incidents where the Real Madrid star has reported racial harassment during matches. The case against Prestianni will now be reviewed by the governing bodies to determine if the evidence supports the reported slur [1].
“Vinícius Jr. reported that Prestianni called him "mono"”
The potential 10-match ban for Gabriel Prestianni signifies a shift toward stricter enforcement of anti-racism protocols in football. By pursuing formal complaints and seeking heavy sanctions, players like Vinícius Jr. are pushing leagues to move beyond symbolic gestures and toward tangible sporting consequences for racial abuse.
