President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, has condemned the alleged racism incident against Brazilian forward, Vinicius Jr, during the Uefa Champions League 2025/26 Play-off match between Real Madrid and Benfica in Portugal.
Via X, Infantino expressed his “shock and sadness” following the incident, and said, “there is absolutely no room for racism in our sport”.
Via an official statement, the FIFA President called for all relevant stakeholders to swing into “action” and ensure justice is served.
The first leg of the UCL Play-off tie saw Real Madrid emerge winner over Benfica by a lone goal netted by Vinicius in the second half.
After a first half that recorded no goal, the Brazil international converted French forward, Kylian Mbappe’s assist in the 50th minute to place the Spanish La Liga giants on a one-goal advantage ahead of the second leg in Spain.
Infantino made it clear that FIFA, via the Global Stand Against Racism and the Players’ Voice Panel, ensures players, official, as well as, fans are “respected and protected”.
He also praised referee François Letexier, the match center official, for triggering the “anti-racism protocol” with the “arm gesture” to halt the showdown and deal with the situation.
Gianni Infantino’s statement to Vinicius Jr’s alleged racism incident reads: “”I was shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism towards Vinícius Júnior in the UEFA Champions League match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF.
“There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society – we need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account.
“At FIFA, through the Global Stand Against Racism and the Players’ Voice Panel, we are committed to ensuring that players, officials and fans are respected and protected, and that appropriate action is taken when incidents occur.
“I commend referee François Letexier for activating the anti-racism protocol by using the arm gesture to stop the game and address the situation.
“FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. I will always continue to reiterate: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!””
The Play-off second leg in Spain
Real Madrid will welcome Benfica in Spain for the second leg of their UCL Play-off tie, and whoever wins will clinch a spot in the round of 16.
Head coach, Xabi Alonso, will guide Real Madrid in the Uefa Champions League Play-off second leg against Benfica on Wednesday 25 February, 2026 at Santiago Bernabeu at 21:00 (WAT).
Benfica will be heading to the city of Madrid with a one goal deficit and manager, Jose Mourinho, will be looking to turn things around for good when the Eagles lock horns with the Los Blancos on Wednesday night.
Worrying scenes ignited at the 68,000-seat Estádio da Luz in Lisbon after Vinícius Jr put the visitors in front. The situation forced the referee to activate the racism protocol and stop the game.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will travel to Osasuna for a La Liga match on Saturday 21 February, 2026 at 18:30 (WAT).
The Los Blancos are currently at the summit of the table with sixty (60) points, and are closely trailed by defending champions, Barcelona, who have accumulated fifty-eight (58) points; both sides after twenty-four (24) games.
Photo: Vinicius Junior celebrates goal for Real Madrid in the Uefa Champions League Play-off match against Benfica in Lisbon, Portugal | UEFA via Getty Images
