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.
Kylian Mbappé
February 2026
PSG will pay Mbappé €61m after choosing not to appeal a court ruling tied to withheld wages and bonuses from his final months at the club. The dispute hinged on PSG refusing certain payments after Mbappé left on a free, with PSG citing a verbal agreement, but the French legal system ruled against them. PSG said it is ending the matter to stop a prolonged process and refocus on its sporting project.
Franco Mastantuono
February 2026
Franco Mastantuono has not played a minute in Real Madrid’s last three matches, triggering criticism and concern in Argentina ahead of key national-team dates. Despite arriving for €45m and strong expectations, he has fallen out of the rotation under both Alonso and Arbeloa, including being unused while Madrid chased a late equaliser vs Osasuna. Argentina staff are reportedly worried he will lose match rhythm ahead of March’s Finalissima vs Spain and the 2026 World Cup build-up.
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.
Carlo Ancelotti
February 2026
Carlo Ancelotti says he intends to sign a new Brazil contract that would keep him in charge beyond the 2026 World Cup and potentially through to 2030, as he settles into international management after leaving Real Madrid in 2025. Ancelotti discussed his enjoyment of the Brazil role in quotes carried by AS ahead of a Universo Valdano episode, with reports suggesting a verbal agreement is already in place. Brazil head toward 2026 as contenders but not unanimous favourites, with expectations that Ancelotti’s tenure could target ending their wait for another World Cup.
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.
