Media caption, Real Madrid's Vini Jr reports alleged racist abuse from Benfica's PrestianniByGuillem Balague BBC Sport columnistPublished18 February 2026 Spanish football expert Guillem Balague was at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on Tuesday as Real Madrid's Champions League play-off tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr reported alleged racist abuse. It marked the 20th time Vinicius alleges he has been the subject of abuse during his eight years at Real Madrid. Here, Balague gives his perspective and details how the 25-year-old forward has become a global symbol of resistance against discrimination. Football should have been revelling in a masterpiece last night – Vinicius scoring a goal so outrageous it deserved to dominate every headline. Instead, once again, the sport was dragged into the same rancid swamp it never seems able to climb out of: alleged racism, denials, excuses and a staggering lack of understanding from those who should know better.
Published: February 18, 2026 5:40 pm
Source: BBC — Read original