Alleged Racial Abuse Overshadows Real Madrid's Club World Cup Victory

In the closing moments of Real Madrid’s triumphant Club World Cup win over Pachuca, a serious incident arose, marring the Spanish club’s first victory of the 2025 tournament. Antonio Rudiger was reportedly subjected to racial abuse by Pachuca’s captain, Gustavo Cabral, during stoppage time in the 3-1 match. Rudiger immediately informed the referee, Ramon Abatti, of the alleged remark. Following this, Abatti executed FIFA’s designated gesture to signal potential racial abuse.

Gustavo Cabral denied making any racist comments, explaining post-match, “It was simply a clash; I collided with him, he claimed I struck him with my hand, leading to an argument. The referee interpreted it as a racial gesture. In Argentina, we commonly use the phrase ‘cagon de mierda’—a rude term implying cowardice. That’s what I said to him.” However, Rudiger’s camp disputes Cabral’s justification. The Athletic has approached FIFA for their official response on the matter.

Earlier on, Real Madrid’s manager, Xabi Alonso, expressed his support for Rudiger, stating, “Toni has reported something disturbing, which led to the activation of FIFA’s protocol. An investigation is now underway. We stand by him—such behavior is intolerable.” This incident occurred near the conclusion of Madrid’s 3-1 triumph, with goals by Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Fede Valverde, following Pachuca’s Raul Asencio receiving a red card early in the match.