Real Madrid vs. Benfica: Sidny Cabral defends “thoughtless act” following Los Blancos defeat

Madrid—Benfica winger Sidny Lopes Cabral has issued a public apology after coming under fierce criticism from his own supporters for attempting to swap shirts with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior moments after the Portuguese side’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night.

Portuguese daily Record reports that Cabral, a Cape Verde international, was filmed approaching Vinicius at the final whistle and asking for his jersey, a gesture that immediately ignited outrage on social media. Fans accused the 25-year-old of betraying the club’s crest by seeking a souvenir while Benfica were effectively eliminated from the competition.

The backlash intensified given the recent history between Vinicius and Benfica supporters. During the first-leg fixture in Lisbon, which Madrid won 1-0, the Brazilian forward was subjected to verbal abuse and had objects thrown at him after celebrating his winning goal with dance moves that some home fans interpreted as provocative.

Within hours of the Bernabéu encounter, Cabral’s name was trending for the wrong reasons, with hashtags calling for his departure and questioning his commitment to the club. Sensing the growing unrest, the winger moved swiftly to defuse the situation. According to Record, he personally apologised to Benfica’s management and dressing-room colleagues, stressing that the request had been spontaneous and not meant to disrespect the institution or its supporters.

Cabral later explained that once he realised the negative impact his action had on squad unity, he reversed course and did not complete the exchange with Vinicius. Sources close to the player insist the shirt never changed hands, a detail intended to underline his remorse and reaffirm his focus on Benfica’s domestic objectives.

The episode leaves Cabral facing a delicate task of rebuilding trust with the fans, while the club hierarchy will hope the matter is closed ahead of their next Primeira Liga fixture.