Vinicius Junior was allegedly racially abused by Benfica star Gianluca Prestianni during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League playoffs clash in Portugal. Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton has now taken to social media to send a message to the Brazilian star.
Lewis Hamilton Stands With Real Madrid Star Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior scored a stunning goal in the 50th minute of the match on Tuesday, Feb. 17, but picked up a booking for his excessive celebration. The referee showed him the yellow card after he was spotted provoking the Benfica fans, but it was the incident moments later that took the spotlight.
Prestianni was seen covering his mouth with the jersey while talking to the Brazilian, who sprinted to the referee and complained of racial insult. The match was paused for 10 minutes as the official activated the anti-racism protocol, after which play resumed.
Ferrari driver and seven-time F1 champion, Hamilton, has now taken to Instagram to send a message to Vinicius Jr. following the incident. He sent a short but clear message to Real Madrid forward and posted: “We’re with you @vinijr.”
🚨 Lewis Hamilton on IG. pic.twitter.com/JbdOyRXf1Y
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) February 18, 2026
He shared the statement from the Brazilian FA, in which they praised their star player for informing the referee of the racist insult and urging the official to activate the anti-racism protocol. They stood by the Real Madrid forward, saying he had their full support as he fought to keep racism out of the sport. The Brazilian FA wrote:
“The CBF stands in solidarity with Vinícius Júnior, victim of yet another act of racism this Tuesday, after scoring for Real Madrid against Benfica in Lisbon. Racism is a crime. It is unacceptable. It cannot exist in football or anywhere else. Vini, you are not alone.”
“Your decision to activate the protocol is an example of courage and dignity. We are proud of you. We will remain steadfast in the fight against all forms of discrimination. We stand by your side. Always.”
Prestianni has denied using any racist insult towards Vinicius Jr., but the Brazilian and his teammates have insisted that the Benfica star was lying. Kylian Mbappe spoke to the media after the match and claimed he heard the Argentine using ‘monkey’ five times towards the Real Madrid winger.
UEFA has since revealed that it is reviewing the official report and will begin its investigation after the formal process.
Real Madrid holds a 1-0 advantage over Benfica going into the second leg next week at the Santiago Bernabéu.
