L-R: Vinicius Jr, Mbappe and Prestianni are involved in racial controversy
Benfica winger, Gianluca Prestianni is reportedly considering filing a legal complaint against Real Madrid stars Vinícius Jnr and Kylian Mbappé over allegations of racial abuse.
The match between Benfica and Real Madrid at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, was halted for 10 minutes after Vinícius reported racial abuse by Prestianni to referee François Letexier. Vinícius and his teammates temporarily left the field in protest.
Replays showed the Argentine footballer lifting his jersey to cover his mouth while speaking to Vinícius Jnr.
‘He called Vinícius a monkey’ – Mbappé alleges racist remark by Benfica’s Prestianni
After the match, Mbappé claimed that he heard Prestianni call Vinícius “monkey” multiple times and demanded harsher punishment for the act.
Ahead of the second leg at the Bernabéu in the Champions League play-off between Real Madrid and Benfica, UEFA issued a statement suspending Prestianni for one game on Tuesday, February 23, 2026.
This is said to have infuriated the player, who blames the two Los Blancos attackers for influencing the case with their comments, which ultimately led to his suspension.
The Benfica winger believes he has been defamed by the racial accusations and intends to take legal action against them.
SB/JE
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