'Jose Made A Huge Mistake': Kompany Backs Vinicius, Blasts Mourinho After UCL Racism Row

Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 16:59 IST

Vincent Kompany defends Vinicius Junior after alleged racist abuse by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, criticizing Jose Mourinho's remarks after the incident.

When leadership was required, Vincent Kompany believes Jose Mourinho missed the mark.

The fallout stems from Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League win over Benfica at the Estadio da Luz, where Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.

The match was halted for around 10 minutes as UEFA’s anti-racism protocol was activated, with players briefly leaving the pitch in a now painfully familiar scene in European football.

Mourinho later questioned the narrative.

“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. Where Vinicius plays, something happens, always," he said in a remark many felt risked shifting attention from the allegation to the player.

Pressed further, Mourinho added: “Yes. I believe so," when asked if Vinícius had provoked supporters, pointing to the Brazilian’s celebration after scoring.

Kompany wasn’t having it.

“A Huge Mistake in Leadership"

“When you watch the action itself and how Vini reacted, that reaction cannot be faked. You can see it was an emotional reaction. I don’t see any benefit for him to go to the referee and put all this misery on his shoulders. In that moment, he saw that it was the right thing to do," the Bayern boss stated in a presser.

For Kompany, the bigger issue came after the final whistle.

“Jose Mourinho has basically attacked the character of Vini Jr by bringing in the type of Vini’s celebration to discredit what he was doing at that moment. It was a huge mistake in terms of leadership."

He also criticised Mourinho invoking Eusébio to argue Benfica cannot be racist.

“Do you know what black players had to go through in the 60s? Was he there to travel with Eusébio every away game and see what he went through?"

Kompany stopped short of personal condemnation.

“I understand he fights for his club… I know deep down he’s a good person… But he made a mistake. Hopefully it won’t happen again."

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