Benfica File Complaint Against Real Madrid & Mbappé After Champions League Clash

SL Benfica are set to formally contact FIFA to request an urgent investigation into alleged misconduct by Kylian Mbappé during their UEFA Champions League encounter against Real Madrid.

The controversy follows Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 play-off for the 2025–2026 season.

According to U.S.-based outlet Topskills Sports, Benfica have accused Mbappé of provoking Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni during the match.

Reports claim that Benfica officials and Prestianni allege Mbappé used the phrase “mono blanco” (“white monkey”), an accusation that, if proven, could shift the spotlight of racial misconduct onto the Real Madrid forward.

Benfica insist that FIFA conduct a balanced and impartial investigation without favoring either side’s account of events.

Potential sanctions, according to the report, could include a 12-match suspension for Mbappé and a financial penalty ranging between €5 million and €10 million against Real Madrid if violations are confirmed.

The match at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon was also marred by a separate racism controversy involving Vinícius Júnior.

Five minutes into the second half, after Vinícius scored the decisive goal for Real Madrid, the referee halted the game for 11 minutes following the activation of UEFA’s anti-racism protocol.

Television footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt while speaking, an action interpreted by Real Madrid players as a racist gesture toward Vinícius. 

The Brazilian star has previously been subjected to repeated racist abuse in Spain, filing 18 legal complaints since 2022, the most recent in January during the Copa del Rey.

Tensions escalated upon the resumption of play, with both Vinícius and Mbappé facing persistent jeers from sections of the crowd. 

Mbappé was reportedly seen angrily calling the Argentine player a “damn racist” during the heated exchanges.

UEFA confirmed in an official statement that match observer reports are under review and that disciplinary proceedings could follow should the allegations be substantiated.

As investigations loom, the fallout from the Lisbon clash threatens to overshadow Real Madrid’s narrow advantage heading into the return leg.