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Benfica's Lopes Faces Backlash for Vinícius Jr. Shirt Request

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Benfica's Sidny Lopes Cabral faced backlash on social media after he requested Vinícius Jr.'s shirt following Benfica's 2-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
The episode occurred amid controversy involving Vinícius and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who was suspended for alleged racial abuse.
Lopes Cabral did not exchange shirts because he believed the move could create internal issues within the team.
Benfica was eliminated from the Champions League with a 3-1 aggregate score.

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Story summary

Benfica's Sidny Lopes Cabral faced backlash on social media after he requested Vinícius Jr.'s shirt following Benfica's 2-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
The episode occurred amid controversy involving Vinícius and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who was suspended for alleged racial abuse.
Lopes Cabral did not exchange shirts because he believed the move could create internal issues within the team.
Benfica was eliminated from the Champions League with a 3-1 aggregate score.