This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Lilian Thuram, former French international and an active voice in the fight against racism, reacted to the incidents that occurred at the Estádio da Luz, where Vinícius reported being the target of racist insults from Gianluca Prestianni. The former defender reacted harshly to the incident and did not spare criticism of José Mourinho. For Thuram, what happened at the Luz is a reflection of a structural problem that persists in 2026. "I think we are in 2026 and that, in 2026, it is still possible to humiliate black people on a football field. Because racism is humiliation. And what impresses me is that there is still doubt about what happened. Vinícius stated the facts, Kylian Mbappé stated the facts. But that is not enough; the doubt remains. Why? Because the word of black men is not considered reliable?" he began by saying to L'Équipe. "It's always the same thing. You report an act of which you were a victim, and it is you who is doubted. As happens with women who are victims of violence or rape. The idea of questioning the victim is always present, and that is why it is so difficult to report." Thuram praised the performance of the match referee, Frenchman François Letexier: "The referee listened to him and accepted his word. That is the correct attitude. That is how we move forward. There is no negotiating with racism or violence. The shame must change sides." Regarding the images from the game—namely the moment when Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt—the Frenchman was direct: "I saw everything. And I saw once again a white person calling a black person a monkey. I say this calmly, because that is the history of racism: you can be demeaned because of the color of your skin. Racism always advances masked, because racists are cowards. He knew what he was doing. He was aware. He wanted to demean him, humiliate him. At that moment, it was stronger than him; he had to treat him like a monkey." "Investigations often end the same way: after all, it wasn't really a racist act. But I repeat, there should be no negotiation or compromise. If the white people who are responsible for eradicating racism actually did so, we wouldn't be in the same place in 2026." The harshest criticisms, however, were directed at José Mourinho, after the Portuguese coach suggested that Vinícius's behavior might have influenced what happened. "Mourinho is a great coach, with an exceptional career, he has worked with many black players. And that does not prevent him, first, from doubting the veracity of the racist act and, second, from questioning the victim's responsibility because of how he celebrated the goal. But how can he say that?" he questioned. "Who is Mr. Mourinho to decide what Vinícius can or cannot do? There is a feeling of superiority and white narcissism in that judgment. The act of racism has nothing to do with Vinícius's behavior, but with the color of his skin. Mourinho suggests that it might be Vinícius's fault, that he provoked it. That is total violence." He concluded with a blunt criticism: "When Mourinho tries to make us believe that Vinícius is responsible for the racism he suffers, that is pathetic. With that kind of analysis, he becomes a small person. As long as such behaviors exist, we will never be united in the fight against racism." "The problems of racism must primarily be addressed by the white population. It is not about blaming, but about taking responsibility. It is necessary to listen to those who suffer racism and not tell them how they should behave. Otherwise, that feeling of superiority is perpetuated," he finished.
Lilian Thuram Gianluca Prestianni remains central to this story.
Lilian Thuram Gianluca Prestianni remains central to this story.
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