In the rapidly evolving world of European football, few prospects have generated as much buzz—and recent controversy—as Gianluca Prestianni. The 20-year-old Argentine winger has transitioned from a "generational talent" at Vélez Sarsfield to a key figure in SL Benfica’s attacking arsenal.
Following a highly publicized incident during a Champions League clash with Real Madrid, Prestianni currently finds himself at the center of a global conversation regarding player conduct and the intense pressure on football's rising stars.
The Vinícius Júnior Incident (February 2026)
As of this week, Prestianni is making headlines for an off-pitch legal battle.
Provisional Suspension: On February 23, 2026, UEFA provisionally suspended Prestianni for one match following allegations of racial abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during their Champions League playoff first leg.
The Allegations: Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappé, claimed to hear Prestianni use a racial slur; Prestianni has vehemently denied this, with Benfica claiming he is the victim of a "smear campaign."
Current Status: He traveled with the squad to Madrid for the second leg today, February 25, but remains ineligible to play pending a final UEFA ruling. He could face a 10-game ban if found guilty.
Gianluca Prestianni: Family and Origins
Heritage: Born and raised in Ciudadela, Argentina, Prestianni is of Italian descent, which allowed him to secure an EU passport and facilitate his move to Europe.
Early Career: He is a product of the famed Vélez Sarsfield academy.
His move to Portugal in 2024 was accelerated after his family received threats from Barras Bravas (radical supporters) in Argentina following a string of poor team results. Full Name: Gianluca Prestianni Gross.
Market Value, Salary, and Stats
| Metric | Value (Feb 2026) |
| Transfermarkt Value | €12.00 Million |
| Annual Salary | €700,000 (Approx. €13,500 per week) |
| Height | 1.66m (5'5") |
| Position | Right Winger / CAM |
| FC 26 Rating | 71 OVR (87 Pace, 92 Agility) |
Contract Status
Prestianni is tied to Benfica until June 30, 2029.
Virtual Presence: FC 26 & Social Media
For fans tracking his development in gaming and online:
FC 26: He has seen a significant boost in his virtual stats, particularly his 92 Agility and 91 Acceleration, making him a "meta" favorite for silver and evolution squads.
He recently received an 86-rated Fantasy FC card. Instagram & X: His social media presence has become a battleground following the Vinícius incident.
While his official accounts (often under @gianlucaprestianni) remain active, comments have been restricted on several platforms due to the influx of messages from rival fans.Reddit: The r/benfica and r/soccer communities are currently dominated by debates regarding his UEFA investigation, with users dissecting stadium footage to verify the accusations.