Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni has admitted to using an anti-gay slur, denying allegations of racial abuse, against Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during Tuesday’s Champions League playoff. The 20-year-old Argentinian provided evidence to UEFA investigators following a 10-minute stoppage at the Estadio da Luz that was triggered when Vinicius accused him of discrimination.
Sources told ESPN that Prestianni confessed to calling the Brazilian the Spanish anti-gay slur "maricon" but firmly rejected claims that he used the word "mono" (monkey). The incident ignited in the 55th minute, immediately after Vinícius scored the match’s only goal and was booked for his subsequent celebration.
While Prestianni attempts to distinguish between homophobic and racial language, Real Madrid’s stars have painted a more severe picture. Kylian Mbappe gave a detailed account to the media, asserting he personally heard Prestianni racially abuse Vinícius five times. "I heard it," Mbappé stated. "There are Benfica players that also heard it."
Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni confirmed that Prestianni offered the "homophobic slur" explanation as a defense when confronted by players on the pitch. Real Madrid has since submitted a "dossier of all available evidence" to European football’s governing body to support their star forward.
UEFA DISCIPLINARY CODE: ARTICLE 14
Any person who insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time.
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa addressed the controversy in a Friday press conference, demanding a punishment that serves as a "turning point" for the sport. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has also intervened, urging UEFA to implement a zero-tolerance policy and provide full transparency throughout the disciplinary review.
Benfica, however, has characterized some of the allegations as a "defamation campaign," noting that current video evidence remains inconclusive regarding racial intent. The club confirmed that Prestianni will travel to Madrid for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, though his involvement remains an uncertainty.
As UEFA’s disciplinary commission assesses reports from inspectors, referees, and players, the football world is bracing for a ruling that could sideline one of Argentina’s prospects for a good portion of the season. Under UEFA regulations, the distinction between the two types of slurs provides no legal shelter for Prestianni; both carry identical minimum sanctions.
The outcome of this case will likely set the tone for player conduct across the 2026 European season, particularly as global pressure mounts for stricter enforcement of human dignity protections on the pitch.
