Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho says Vinicius Jr knows he has his support as the manager prepares to work with the Brazilian again, despite the controversy surrounding an alleged racist incident involving Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni.
The incident occurred during the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League campaign, when Vinicius Jr was allegedly subjected to racist abuse by Prestianni during an ill-tempered match. The claim led to a highly sensitive dispute involving the player and Mourinho, who was Benfica’s head coach at the time.
Mourinho defended Prestianni after the incident, arguing that the Argentine should be regarded as innocent until proven guilty. His comments placed him at odds with those who believed the allegation required a stronger response, while the affair became a source of tension between Mourinho and Vinicius Jr.
However, in an interview with AS, Mourinho suggested that the matter would not prevent him from building a professional relationship with the Real Madrid winger. The Portuguese coach indicated that he had moved beyond the episode and made clear that Vinicius Jr understood where he stood.
“Vinicius knows I am on his side,” Mourinho said.
Mourinho was recently appointed as Real Madrid head coach and will now work directly with Vinicius Jr as the club begin preparations for the new season. His comments are the first indication that the previous dispute will not define their relationship at the Spanish club.
The alleged abuse involving Prestianni remains the central issue behind the disagreement. According to the original account, the encounter between the Benfica player and Vinicius Jr took place in a heated Champions League match, although no further details about the allegation or any formal finding are provided.
Mourinho’s defence of Prestianni was based on the principle that the player had not been proven guilty. That position formed the backdrop to the clash involving the coach and Vinicius Jr, but Mourinho now says he has put the episode behind him as he takes charge at Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will begin their 2026-2027 campaign on Saturday, 22 August, when they face Espanyol. The fixture will provide Mourinho with his first competitive opportunity to manage Vinicius Jr in his new role.
The Brazilian is therefore set to enter the season under Mourinho’s leadership, with the manager insisting that the past controversy has not changed his support for the player. While the original incident involved Benfica’s Prestianni and remains described as an allegation, Mourinho’s latest remarks focus on repairing the relationship and establishing a fresh start at Real Madrid.
