LISBON, Portugal — In a development that has intensified scrutiny on discrimination in European soccer, sources close to the investigation revealed that Benfica defender Gianluca Prestianni has told UEFA investigators he directed an anti-gay slur at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a heated Champions League playoff match earlier this week.
The incident unfolded during the second half of Tuesday's game at the Estadio da Luz here, where Vinícius scored the game's lone goal, putting Real Madrid ahead 1-0 in a tense playoff clash against Benfica. As the Brazilian star celebrated, tensions boiled over when he accused Prestianni of racial abuse, prompting the 20-year-old Argentine defender to cover his face with his shirt. The confrontation led to a 10-minute stoppage in play as referees and officials intervened to restore order.
According to sources speaking to ESPN, Prestianni has already provided evidence to UEFA's ongoing inquiry, claiming that he uttered the Spanish anti-gay slur 'm------' toward Vinícius, rather than the racial epithet 'mono,' which translates to 'monkey' in English. This distinction is crucial, as it shifts the nature of the alleged abuse from racial to homophobic, though UEFA's disciplinary rules treat both forms of discrimination under the same framework.
Immediately following the match, Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni addressed Spanish television cameras, recounting his confrontation with Prestianni. 'He gave that explanation when we asked him about it,' Tchouaméni said, referring to the defender's admission of using the anti-gay slur. Tchouaméni's comments were among the first public indications of Prestianni's version of events, setting the stage for UEFA's formal probe.
Vinícius, who has been a vocal advocate against racism in soccer, has faced repeated incidents of abuse throughout his career, including high-profile cases in La Liga that drew global attention. This latest episode adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding the 24-year-old, whose on-field brilliance often comes amid off-field adversity. In the moments after the goal, Vinícius pointed directly at Prestianni, signaling to referees that he had been targeted with derogatory language.
Real Madrid has actively supported its player by compiling and submitting a comprehensive dossier of 'all available evidence' to UEFA, including video footage, witness statements, and audio recordings where possible. The club views the incident as emblematic of broader issues plaguing the sport, with officials emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action.
Teammate Kylian Mbappé, the French forward who joined Real Madrid this season, provided a detailed eyewitness account to reporters immediately after the final whistle. 'I heard it,' Mbappé said firmly. 'There are Benfica players that also heard it.' Mbappé went further, claiming he personally witnessed Prestianni racially abusing Vinícius on five separate occasions during the match, contradicting the defender's reported statement to UEFA about the specific slur used.
Mbappé's testimony introduces a layer of complexity to the investigation, as it suggests the abuse may have encompassed multiple forms or instances. Benfica players, according to Mbappé, corroborated hearing the remarks, though the Portuguese club has not yet issued an official response on the matter. This discrepancy highlights the challenges UEFA faces in piecing together accounts from players on both sides.
On Friday, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa addressed the media in a pre-match news conference, calling for accountability and positioning the case as a potential catalyst for change. 'I hope this can be a turning point in the fight against racist abuse in soccer,' Arbeloa said. He urged UEFA to impose meaningful sanctions on Prestianni, underscoring the emotional toll such incidents take on players like Vinícius.
UEFA's disciplinary regulations, specifically Article 14, outline a clear punishment structure for offenses involving insults to human dignity based on grounds including skin color, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation. The rule stipulates that any person or entity found in violation 'incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.' Whether the abuse is classified as racist or anti-gay, the minimum penalty remains consistent, potentially sidelining Prestianni for a significant portion of the season if guilt is established.
The match itself was part of the Champions League playoff round, with Real Madrid advancing on aggregate after a 2-1 loss in the first leg at home. Vinícius's goal in the 58th minute proved decisive, but the post-goal drama overshadowed the tactical battle between the two storied clubs. Benfica, founded in 1904, has a rich history in European competitions, while Real Madrid continues its pursuit of a record-extending 16th Champions League title.
This incident comes amid a broader context of anti-discrimination efforts in soccer. Vinícius has previously testified before Spanish authorities about racist chants from Valencia fans in 2023, leading to fines and partial stadium closures. UEFA and FIFA have ramped up initiatives like the 'No to Racism' campaign, but critics argue enforcement remains inconsistent. Prestianni, a promising talent who joined Benfica from Vélez Sarsfield last year, now faces a pivotal moment in his young career.
Benfica has separately lodged a complaint with UEFA regarding the conduct of Real Madrid's Federico Valverde during the match, alleging unsportsmanlike behavior that contributed to the on-field tensions. Details of that complaint remain limited, but it underscores the mutual accusations flying between the clubs as the investigation unfolds.
As UEFA's inquiry progresses, all eyes are on the governing body's next steps. Sources indicate that additional witness interviews and forensic audio analysis could extend the probe into the coming weeks. For Vinícius and his teammates, the focus shifts to upcoming fixtures, but the shadow of discrimination lingers, prompting renewed calls for cultural reform in the sport.
The implications extend beyond this single match. With soccer's global reach, high-profile cases like this one amplify discussions on inclusivity and player welfare. Organizations such as Kick It Out in England and the Fare Network across Europe have praised Real Madrid's proactive stance, while urging authorities to treat homophobic abuse with equal severity to racial incidents. As the season advances, the outcome of UEFA's decision could set precedents for handling future allegations, potentially reshaping disciplinary norms in elite football.
In Lisbon, where the Estadio da Luz has hosted countless memorable nights, Tuesday's events serve as a stark reminder of the work still needed off the pitch. Players, coaches, and fans alike await clarity, hoping for justice that deters future offenses and fosters a safer environment for all involved in the beautiful game.