Kompany: Mourinho made 'huge mistake' with Vini Jr. comments - ESPN

ESPN

by PA

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has strongly criticized Benfica manager José Mourinho for his comments regarding the alleged racist abuse aimed at Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match. Kompany described Mourinho's postgame remarks as a "huge mistake," particularly because they came after Vinícius reported an incident of racial abuse to the referee, which led to a suspension of play and an ongoing investigation by UEFA. The controversy unfolded when Vinícius accused a Benfica player, Gianluca Prestianni, of making racist comments during the match. While Prestianni denied the allegations on social media, calling them part of a "defamation campaign," Kompany defended Vinícius's decision to speak out, emphasizing that such incidents cannot be dismissed. He recalled his own experiences with racism as a young player and criticized Mourinho for discrediting Vinícius's actions. Kompany stressed the importance of supporting victims of racial abuse and called for stronger consequences for those involved in such incidents. The situation has sparked broader discussions about racial discrimination in sports, with the Brazilian Football Confederation urging UEFA and FIFA to take strict action against those responsible. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and its outcome could have significant implications for both the players involved and the handling of similar cases in the future. This issue highlights the need for greater accountability and sensitivity in addressing racial abuse within sports organizations. By speaking out, Kompany not only supported Vinícius but also drew attention to the broader challenges of racism in football. His criticism of Mourinho serves as a reminder that comments made by influential figures like managers can have far-reaching consequences, particularly when they undermine efforts to address discrimination. The case underscores the importance of leadership in fostering an inclusive environment in sports and the need for zero tolerance towards racial abuse. Ultimately, this controversy reflects the ongoing struggle to combat racism in football and the role that public figures play in either perpetuating or addressing it. As the investigation continues, the outcome will not only impact the careers of those involved but also set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.

Verticals

sports

Originally published on ESPN on 2/20/2026