Real Madrid star fires back at Jose Mourinho over Vinicius Junior commentsJose Mourinho's comments after Vinicius Junior was allegedly racially abused during Real Madrid's clash with Benfica in the Champions League last week have been condemned by Thibaut CourtoisView 3 Images Jose Mourinho spoke with Vinicius Junior after the Real Madrid star was allegedly racially abused during the Benfica game (Image: 2026 Getty Images)Thibaut Courtois has become the latest figure to rebuke comments made by Jose Mourinho over Vinicius Junior's celebrations against Benfica, with the Real Madrid goalkeeper saying he is unhappy to see them being used against his team-mate after he was subjected to alleged racist abuse. ‌Vinicius Jr scored the only goal of the game when Real and Benfica met in the first leg of their Champions League play-off last week. The Brazil international alleged he was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni during the game, which was halted for 10 minutes with the Real Madrid star leaving the pitch following the incident. ‌Benfica's manager, Mourinho, said Vinicius Jr incited the crowd with his goal celebration after last week's game. But Courtois has dismissed those comments, insisting that cannot be used to justify racism.

Source: Daily Mirror February 24, 2026 16:46 UTC