midfielder Khephren Thuram says he felt ‘attacked’ when Actual Madrid star Vinicius Jr. was allegedly racially abused throughout a Champions League match in opposition to Benfica: ‘It might have been me.’
Juventus star Thuram spoke out firmly in opposition to racism in an interview with Canal+, addressing how he felt witnessing Vinicius Jr. allegedly subjected to racist abuse throughout a Champions League match in opposition to Benfica in February.
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“It’s troublesome as a black boy. In 2026, you’ll be able to nonetheless be attacked due to the color of your pores and skin,” the Juventus midfielder stated through
Vinicius and different Actual Madrid gamers accused Gianluca Prestianni of constructing racist remarks in the direction of the Brazilian, however the Benfica expertise denied the claims.
Moreover this newest incident, sadly, Vinicius has continuously been the goal of racist abuse in Spain and throughout Europe.
“Vinicius was attacked, and it’s as if I have been the one being attacked. It might have been me. And all of this simply because I’m black? I don’t have the reply to cease this. I don’t have the reply to cease it in stadiums,” Thuram continued,
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“Leaving the pitch could be an answer, however I need to play soccer. It’s my job, and I get pleasure from what I do.
“There must be stronger actions for many who behave like that. Why ought to I be the one to go away the sphere? He must be the one leaving the stadium. We have now to cease this nonsense and begin taking issues severely.”
Thuram’s father, Lilian, a former Juventus and Parma defender and a 1998 France World Cup winner, is a widely known anti-racism activist, founding father of the Lilian Thuram Basis, which focuses on training to fight racism.
His sons, Marcus and Khephren, play in Serie A for Inter and Juventus, respectively.
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Khephren Thuram of Juventus is challenged by Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli throughout the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SSC Napoli at Juventus Stadium on January 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Picture by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Photos)
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Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram has scored three targets and supplied 4 assists in 37 appearances throughout all competitions this season.
His contract on the Allianz Stadium runs out in June 2029.
NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Khephren Thuram of Juventus reacts throughout the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Picture by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Photos)