Barcelona legend Lilian Thuram has slammed Jose Mourinho's criticism of Vinicius Junior following Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Benfica. The Brazilian was allegedly subjected to racist abuse from Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni.
Vinicius danced near the corner flag at the Estadio da Luz after netting a second-half winner. His celebrations irritated Benfica players and the home fans.
An incident occured between Prestianni and Vinicius which led to the 25-year-old telling the referee that he'd been called a "monkey." The Argentine covered his mouth with his shirt before directing a comment to the Madrid man.
Mourinho spoke after the game about the incident and chose not to side with either player over the racism allegations. He did however suggest Vinicius was in the wrong for celebrating in a provoking manneger:
"Vini Jr. provoked the fans? In how many stadiums has this happened? He’s an incredible player, I love him but when you score a goal like this, celebrate with your teammates."
Lilian Thuram slams Jose Mourinho
Mourinho's comments were met with major backlash as many felt he justified racism. The Portuguese coach even claimed that Benfica can't be racist because their greatest legend is black Portuguese icon Eusebio.
Thuram gave a lengthy assessment of Mourinho's response and the former Barca defender was not impressed. He told L'Equipe (via Madrid Xtra):
"Jose Mourinho is a great coach with an exceptional career. He has worked with many black players in his life and that doesn’t stop him from doubting the veracity of a racist act. But how can he say that? But, who are you, Mr. Mourinho, to allow yourself to decide what Vinicius Junior has the right to do or not. There is a feeling of superiority and white narcissism in his words."
Thuram made clear that Prestianni's alleged comment had nothing to do with Vinicius' actions but rather his race:
"The racist act that Vini was a victim of is not linked to his behavior, but to the color of his skin. And how can we not take into consideration what the players say? So is that it, Vinicius is crazy, he invented an insult and rushed toward the referee?"
Pathetic - Thuram on Mourinho's Vinicius blame
Kylian Mbappe called on UEFA to ban Prestianni from the Champions League. The Frenchman said that he heard him use the racist insult five times.
Thuram alluded to this and further criticised Mourinho for his comments on Vinicius:
"Kylian Mbappe heard it as well so Mbappé is crazy too? Black people are crazy, Is that it? They are paranoid and invent stories… When Mourinho tries to make us believe that Vinicius Junior is responsible for the racism he suffers, it’s pathetic. Through this analysis, he becomes a petty person, a petty man."
He concluded:
"Mourinho does not analyze the racist act as a man but as a white man. We are not obliged to think through the lens of his skin color."
🚨🗣️ Lilian Thuram: “Jose Mourinho is a great coach with an exceptional career. He has worked with many black players in his life and that doesn’t stop him from doubting the veracity of a racist act.
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) February 19, 2026
But how can he say that? But, who are you, Mr. Mourinho, to allow yourself to… pic.twitter.com/ehJxqFYeSU
Mourinho has yet to explain his post-match comments but Thuram is the latest to hit out at the former Madrid manager. Jamie Carragher pointed out his hypocrisy having spent his entire managerial career provoking the opposition with his celebrations and behavior.