IDays after the controversial incident between Vincius Junior and Gianluca Prestiani during a Champions League play-off match, one of football’s most respected figures has broken his silence and not held back.
France World Cup winner Lilian Thuram has issued a scathing attack on Jos Mourinho, accusing the veteran manager of failing to properly deal with serious allegations of racist abuse and instead focusing on the actions of the victims.
Thuram’s comments, published in French media and widely reported internationally, reflect deep dissatisfaction with the way allegations of racism in football are being discussed at the highest levels.
The controversy erupted on February 17 when it was claimed that Vincius directed a racist insult at Prestiani, calling him a “monkey” after the Real Madrid star scored the only goal of the match.
The match was suspended for nearly 10 minutes as anti-racism protocols were triggered, and the incident quickly became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about racism in sport.
Prestiani denied using racial slurs and the referee allowed the match to continue after speaking with both players.
Thuram hits back with fierce criticism
What followed in the post-match press conference was that Mourinho tried to tread carefully.
The Portuguese coach said he had heard different explanations from each player and was not trying to take sides, but he controversially suggested Vincius could have avoided escalating the situation by celebrating in a different way. This statement has drawn widespread condemnation.
Thuram’s reaction was clear. He described Mourinho’s framing of the incident as “pathetic” and rooted in what he characterized as “white supremacy and narcissism”, and insisted the alleged racist behavior had nothing to do with the way Vincius celebrated his goal, but simply the color of his skin.
“Mr. Mourinho, who are you to decide what Vincius is entitled to do?” Thuram asked in an interview.
“The racist abuse Vincius suffered had nothing to do with his actions, it had to do with the color of his skin. Mourinho is suggesting it could be Vincius’ fault… that’s outrageous.”
Thuram went further, questioning the credibility of athletes who report racist abuse and pointing out that despite decades of progress, racial humiliation in sports persists.
“It’s 2026. Even in 2026, people of color can still be humiliated on the field,” he said, noting that both Vincius and teammate Kylian Mbappu, who supports Vincius’ explanation, were reluctantly questioned rather than outright believed.
The former Juventus and Parma defender also criticized some people’s “first instinct” when faced with allegations of racism, suggesting they are often unable to empathize with the victim and instead perpetuate suspicion.
“The sense of superiority that some white people have makes it impossible for them to put themselves in the shoes of the victims,” he said.
Mourinho’s comments, which included a reference to legendary black player Eubio defending Benfica’s history, have drawn criticism from Thuram as well as pundits and anti-racism advocates who argue that focusing on celebration and emotion distracts from the core issue of racial abuse.
