Benfica president Rui Costa insists Gianluca Prestianni “is not racist” and he would not be allowed to represent the club if this was the case.
On Monday, Prestianni, 20, was provisionally suspended for one game “without prejudice” while UEFA investigates allegations that he racially abused Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior in the Champions League. Benfica are appealing the decision and Prestianni has denied racially abusing Vinicius Jr.
Speaking to reporters about the alleged incident for the first time before the second leg of the tie on Wednesday, Costa repeatedly said Prestianni “is not racist,” and that he “deserves” the club’s trust after “being crucified” following the incident.
In quotes carried by Portuguese outlet A Bola, Costa said: “Benfica will stand by Prestianni. Not just because he’s our player. I repeat what I think is the most pertinent point in a situation like this: Prestianni is not racist, he is being condemned for racism when he is not racist. And, therefore, for that very reason, he deserves our support.”
“I guarantee that he is not a racist player, otherwise he wouldn’t represent Benfica,” Costa added.
Costa defended Prestianni (Patricia De Melo Moreira /AFP via Getty Images)
Vinicius Jr alleged he was abused by Prestianni after scoring the only goal of the game in the second half of Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie. After speaking to Vinicius Jr, referee Francois Letexier signalled the start of FIFA’s racial abuse protocol by crossing his wrists above his head.
Posting on Instagram after the game, Vinicius Jr said: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts over their mouths to show how weak they are.
“But they have, alongside them, the protection of others who, in theory, have an obligation to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my family’s life.”
UEFA confirmed the day after the match an investigation would be opened into the alleged offence, which, if proven, carries a minimum suspension of 10 matches.
Costa said there “was a conversation with everyone” following the alleged incident, and that the situation was “uncomfortable for everyone”. He added Benfica is “an inclusive club, an anti-racist club which would never allow racist players in its squad”.
Vinicius Jr has been the subject of racist abuse multiple times in his career. In May 2025, five supporters were given prison sentences and fines for racist chants aimed at the 25-year-old during a match against Real Valladolid.
Earlier this month, second-tier Spanish side Albacete said they were “pained and ashamed” after a banana was thrown at Vinicius Jr during a Copa del Rey game.