Kylian Mbappé
February 2026
Mbappe is expected to miss Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off second leg vs Benfica after suffering knee pain in training. Reports say tests made it “impossible” for him to play, contradicting Arbeloa’s earlier claim that Mbappe was ready, leaving Madrid to defend a 1-0 first-leg lead without their star.
Gianluca Prestianni
February 2026
Benfica president Rui Costa defended Prestianni after UEFA suspended him for one match while investigating allegations linked to an exchange with Vinicius Jr. Costa said he was not on the pitch to know what was said, insisted Benfica trust the player’s account, and argued it is wrong to label him before the process is concluded.
Liam Rosenior
February 2026
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior publicly supported Vinicius Jr following alleged racial abuse in Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off against Benfica, saying anyone found guilty of racism should not be in football as an investigation continues into what was said. The controversy has intensified amid public reactions from high-profile figures and Benfica’s defence of their player. Reports say Prestianni could face a minimum 10-game ban if found guilty, while he has denied the allegation in a social media statement.
Mark Clattenburg
February 2026
Mark Clattenburg apologised for “clumsy” analysis after suggesting Vinicius should have simply returned to position following his goal, during a match halted for 10 minutes under UEFA protocol after alleged racist abuse involving Prestianni. After Vinicius scored, an exchange with Prestianni at halfway led Vinicius to report the incident to referee Letexier and the match was paused. Clattenburg’s on-air remarks drew backlash, including criticism from Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend.
Vinicius Junior
February 2026
Vinicius Junior issued a statement alleging Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni directed a racial slur at him. The match was stopped for around 10 minutes after Vinicius reported the alleged abuse to referee Francois Letexier and FIFA’s racism protocol was activated. After scoring the winner and being booked for his celebration, Vinicius argued with Prestianni, then reported the alleged slur. Players briefly left the pitch during the protocol pause before play resumed. Vinicius later criticised the process as ineffective, while the CBF publicly backed him and reiterated that racism is a crime.
Jose Mourinho
February 2026
Jose Mourinho said Benfica “cannot be a racist club” after Vinicius Junior alleged abuse involving a Benfica player, prompting activation of FIFA’s racism protocol and a 10-minute stoppage. Mourinho also suggested Vinicius escalated the situation after scoring. Following Vinicius’ goal and celebration, an exchange with Prestianni led to protests and the protocol being initiated. Mourinho was later sent off for dissent, then defended Benfica post-match and argued incidents follow Vinicius across stadiums.
Kylian Mbappe
February 2026
Real Madrid released an injury note on Mbappe before the Champions League playoff trip to Benfica, after he was an unused substitute versus Real Sociedad. The provided text does not include the medical conclusion, so his match availability is unclear here. The tie renews a recent Lisbon meeting that Benfica won 4-2, with Mbappe scoring both Real Madrid goals, including a late Trubin header that flipped the standings. Madrid play in Lisbon Tuesday and host the return leg next week, making fitness decisions urgent.
Kylian Mbappé
February 2026
Mbappé missed group training for a second day with recurring left-knee discomfort, creating doubt over his availability for Real Sociedad and concern ahead of Benfica. He worked in the gym away from the squad and did not join on-pitch tactical work. No official medical report was cited, but the continued absence close to matchday signals Real are managing the issue cautiously.
Jose Mourinho
January 2026
Reports claim the federation expects to offer Mourinho the Portugal manager role after the World Cup. He is currently Benfica coach on a two-year deal, but the federation is said to view him as the next cycle’s headline appointment. The same report suggests Benfica would then need a successor, with Ruben Amorim floated as the obvious option due to his ties to the club and strong domestic reputation. Mourinho has publicly said international management is a goal, with Portugal his preferred first step.
Roberto De Zerbi
January 2026
De Zerbi is under major pressure after Marseille failed to reach the Champions League playoffs, losing heavily and missing out when Benfica grabbed the last qualifying spot on goal difference. Marseille were thrashed 3-0 by Brugge and had conceded six goals across two UCL games; De Zerbi apologised and called it a “very bad day,” while Benatia aimed his anger at the players, saying the performance should have consequences and describing it as shameful.
