Former West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá has publicly backed Vinícius Júnior after the Real Madrid forward accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racist abuse during a recent Champions League match.
Paquetá, who recently returned to Flamengo following his spell at West Ham, gave an interview toESPN Brazil in which he offered strong support to his former Brazil teammate.
The comments quickly gained traction in Brazil, not only because of the racism case but also because Paquetá once again opened the door for Vinícius to join him back at the Rio club.
For West Ham supporters, Paquetá’s words are a reminder of his enduring influence and personality, even afterhis London Stadium chapter closed.
“Total support” for Vinícius
Speaking about the alleged incident, Paquetá was clear and emotional in his backing of the Real Madrid winger.
“We talk a lot, but it is very sad to still have to experience and watch the things that happen to Vini. Those who know him understand the heart he has,” he said.“People place on him a blame that he should not carry. The victim there is him. It is my total support, from all of Flamengo, from all the staff, to Vini.”
He added:“We hope that as soon as possible this can be cleared up. This has gone on long enough as well. Experiencing and going through acts like these.”
The midfielder stressed that he remains in constant contact with Vinícius. Both came through Flamengo’s academy and broke into the senior side together in 2017 before moving to Europe.
Playing agent after West Ham exit
However, Paquetá did not stop at solidarity. He also revealed he has been trying to convince Vinícius to return to Brazil in the future.
“We talk a lot and I told him: I am here now, now it is only you missing. Come because we have to fulfil what we promised. I am sure that at the right moment he will return to Flamengo”, he revealed.
Vinícius is under contract at Real Madrid until June 2027 and remains one of the most valuable players in world football. Any immediate move is unrealistic.
Still, Flamengo’s director José Boto haspreviously joked about targeting the winger, and Brazilian media insist the idea is treated internally as a long-term dream rather than a publicity stunt.
For West Ham, Paquetá’s comments underline two things. First, his leadership voice remains strong within Brazilian football. Second, even after his Premier League spell, he continues to operate at the centre of major narratives involving elite players.
Whether Vinícius ever follows him back to Rio is another matter entirely. But Paquetá has made one thing clear: if a return ever becomes possible, he will be waiting.