Cabral Apologizes to Benfica Fans After Requesting Vinicius' Shirt

T.E (Elbotola)

27 February 2026at11:06

Benfica player Sydney Lopes Cabral faced strong criticism after requesting to swap shirts with Vinicius following his team's match against Real Madrid, which was the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff for a spot in the round of 16, according to Portuguese newspaper "Record".

The newspaper reported that Cabral angered both Benfica players and fans when he asked Vinicius for his shirt. The Brazilian agreed, but on the condition that the exchange take place inside the tunnel leading to the changing rooms.

This action led to an apology from Cabral, who clarified that his desire to swap shirts with Vinicius was not intended as a provocation, especially after the controversy surrounding Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni's alleged racist abuse of the Brazilian in the first leg.

Cabral also stated, according to the same source, that he abandoned the idea of taking the shirt with him on the return journey to Portugal. He affirmed that he did not intend to offend the fans or his teammate Prestianni, who missed the second leg due to a temporary suspension by UEFA on charges of racism.

Q&A

What happened with Benfica's Sydney Lopes Cabral after the Real Madrid match?

Benfica's Sydney Lopes Cabral faced strong criticism for asking Vinicius for his shirt after their Champions League playoff. This action angered fans and teammates, leading to a public apology from Cabral, who clarified his intentions were not provocative.

Why did Cabral's shirt request cause such controversy among Benfica fans?

Cabral's request caused controversy due to the prior alleged racist abuse of Vinicius by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in the first leg. Fans perceived the shirt swap as insensitive given the ongoing tensions and Prestianni's UEFA suspension.

What did Sydney Lopes Cabral decide to do with the Vinicius shirt?

Sydney Lopes Cabral decided to abandon the idea of taking the Vinicius shirt back to Portugal. He affirmed his intention not to offend Benfica fans or his teammate Prestianni, choosing to avoid further controversy after the match.

Benfica

Real Madrid

UEFA Champions League

Vinícius