Samir Nasri has called out Jose Mourinho for criticizing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior after his Champions League goal celebration against Benfica

Former Arsenal star Samir Nasri has criticized Jose Mourinho after the Benfica manager questioned Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior’s goal celebration during their UEFA Champions League first-leg clash in Lisbon.

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Vinicius scored early in the second half with a curling shot and celebrated near the corner flag, prompting Mourinho to suggest he should have simply returned to his position.

However, Nasri defended the Brazilian, reminding Mourinho of his own dramatic goal celebrations, including sliding on his knees for 20 meters during a Champions League match with Porto against Manchester United two decades ago.

“Vinicius is being whistled. He scores a really good goal and gets to celebrate. Mourinho ran laps around a pitch. Once, he slid on his knees for 20 meters. He thought he was Thierry Henry as he celebrated. You [Mourinho] don’t have the right to say that,” Nasri said.

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Vinicius’ goal proved decisive, giving Real Madrid the advantage heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on February 25, 2026.