Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, according to multiple reports, has admitted to UEFA investigators that he used a homophobic slur against Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, sparking an exchange with Vinicius that triggered UEFA’s racism protocols during a Champions League clash in Lisbon on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The 20-year-old Argentine told investigators that he used a homophobic slur against Vinicius, not the racial insult initially reported.
Footage appears to show him uttering the words openly, without covering his mouth.
The confrontation unfolded shortly after Vinicius scored the winning goal in the first leg at Estádio da Luz, with his celebration provoking Benfica players.
Tempers flared on the halfway line just before play resumed, prompting the referee to activate UEFA’s anti-racism protocol.
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The resulting 10-minute delay saw Vinicius sit on the Real Madrid bench while officials reviewed the situation.
After the match, Prestianni denied ever being racist, stating:
“I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.”
In contrast, Vinicius publicly labelled him a “coward.”
Benfica coach José Mourinho also weighed in, criticising Vinicius for provoking his players with his celebration.
UEFA has since launched a formal investigation to determine the full context, including Prestianni’s newly revealed confession about the homophobic slur.
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