Tag: Vinicius Junior

Vinicius accuses Prestianni of racial slur as Benfica clash halted under FIFA protocol

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.

Mourinho denies Benfica racism claim after Vinicius incident triggers FIFA protocol in Lisbon

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.

Flamengo President Plays Down Vinícius Return Talk

Vinícius Júnior
February 2026

Flamengo’s president outlined a cautious stance on re-signing Vinícius as speculation builds around his Madrid future. The forward’s deal is described as nearing its final year, with past reports of friction and delayed renewal talks. The piece says Vinícius is more open to renewing after Alonso’s departure, while Arbeloa publicly distanced himself from contract matters. Flamengo’s sporting director joked about a free return if the contract runs down, but the president position is framed as non-committal for now.

Liverpool Make Initial Contact With Xabi Alonso as Contingency Plan Amid Slot Pressure

Xabi Alonso
January 2026

A report says Liverpool have made a first approach to Alonso as they consider future managerial options, with Slot still in charge but under scrutiny during an inconsistent title defence. The claim is that Liverpool sounded out Alonso’s interest, with the coach currently available after leaving Real Madrid. Despite a short spell in Madrid, his reputation remains strong from his Leverkusen success, and the report suggests Liverpool view him as a near-future option, possibly for 2026-27.

Arbeloa Says Vinicius Contract Talks Are Club Business, Leans on Academy for Depth

Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026

Arbeloa said Vinicius renewal negotiations are not in his control and publicly stated he hopes the forward stays, while refusing to demand signings and pointing to La Fabrica as the solution for gaps. Arbeloa framed the contract situation as between the club and player, and repeatedly shut down questions about board backing by stating he has an “extraordinary squad” and a strong youth pipeline.

Vinicius Pleads for Bernabeu Backing After Monaco Rout and Booing Hurt

Vinicius Junior
January 2026

Vinicius said recent whistles at the Bernabeu have affected him and asked supporters to back the team, while stressing he wants focus on his football, not off-field drama or coaching changes. He said he felt uncomfortable because mistakes were met with boos, accepted fans’ right to demand more, denied influencing Alonso’s exit, and called for unity after recent setbacks. He also played down contract noise and said he remains calm with just over a year left on his deal.

Real Madrid Beat Levante 2-0 as Arbeloa Gets First League Win

Real Madrid
January 2026

Madrid won 2-0 after a flat first half, with Mbappe scoring a second-half penalty and Asencio adding a headed goal from a corner to secure the points. Arbeloa changed the flow by introducing Arda Guler for more midfield invention, increasing tempo and chance creation. Mbappe won and converted a penalty, then Madrid capitalised on a set piece, managing the game despite a few Levante counters.

Vinicius sends support as Endrick swaps Madrid for Lyon loan

Endrick
December 2025

Brazilian forward Endrick has secured a six-month loan from Real Madrid to Lyon, leaving the Bernabeu in search of regular minutes after struggling for game time under Xabi Alonso, with the Ligue 1 club handing the 19-year-old the No. 9 shirt. Vinicius Junior marked the move with a supportive Instagram message, calling Endrick his brother and urging him to succeed in France, as the teenager prepares to join Paulo Fonseca’s squad, adapt to Ligue 1 and relaunch his push for club and Brazil opportunities.

Carlo Ancelotti explains Real Madrid collapse despite Mbappe arrival

Carlo Ancelotti
November 2025

Ancelotti reflected on how a title-winning Madrid side with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham failed to win silverware, slipping behind Barcelona in La Liga and exiting the Champions League at the quarter-final stage. He pointed to a severe defensive injury crisis that disrupted Madrid’s structure, with Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao suffering ACL issues and Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid) playing hurt. The backline problems forced tactical reshuffles, broke rhythm across the team and eroded the defensive identity that underpinned earlier success.

Gareth Bale calls out Real Madrid forwards after Anfield loss

Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
November 2025

Bale criticised Mbappe and Vinicius for overcomplicating attacks in a subdued display as Madrid slipped to their first Champions League defeat of the season. Thibaut Courtois kept the margin to one as Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister decided it with a second-half header. Liverpool’s off-ball structure boxed Madrid into predictable lanes and narrowed Mbappe’s launch zones. With transitions limited and shot quality poor, Real’s stars forced actions instead of recycling to create superior angles, turning possession into sterile pressure.

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