Kylian Mbappe demands 'lifetime ban' after alleged racist abuse of Vinícius Junior

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has called for the strongest possible sanctions following allegations that a Benfica player racially abused teammate Vinícius Júnior during a heated UEFA Champions League play-off clash.

The incident reportedly occurred after Vinícius scored the decisive goal in Real Madrid CF’s 1-0 victory over S.L. Benfica at the Estádio da Luz.

The Brazilian winger’s celebratory dance was met with hostility, and tensions quickly escalated on the pitch.

According to reports, the game was stopped for approximately 10 minutes after Vinícius reacted to an alleged comment made by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni. The player was said to have covered his mouth with his shirt while speaking.

Vinícius appeared visibly distressed and briefly walked off the field before play resumed.

Speaking after the match, Mbappé strongly condemned the alleged abuse and urged football authorities to take decisive action.

“Prestianni should never play in the Champions League again,” Mbappé said, according to Tribuna.

He added, “I asked Vini what he wanted us to do. He told me, ‘Yes, we were going to leave the field.’”

The French international stressed the importance of setting an example in the fight against racism in football.

“We have to do something; we can’t allow this. I hope measures are taken. We have to set an example for all the children who look up to us; there are things we can’t accept," he said.

Mbappé also expressed disbelief at the alleged conduct of a young player.

“I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I don’t let that kind of thing slide. This player is young. How can you say these things on a football pitch?" he added.