Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has given his most detailed account yet of the explosive confrontation with Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé during Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout play-off tie in February 2026 — insisting he never said anything racist and was himself targeted with abuse by both Madrid stars from the opening whistle.
Speaking in an interview that is now circulating widely on social media, the 20-year-old Argentine described a sustained verbal assault he claims he chose not to react to, while feeling deeply wronged by accusations he says are simply not true.
“Vinicius Junior was telling me: ‘Come on, come on and play one-on-one against me, coward.’ He said ‘Your mother’s p*ssy’ to me. But no, I didn’t say anything at any moment.”
— Gianluca Prestianni, said in an interview.
🚨🗣️ Gianluca Prestianni: "Vinicius Junior was telling me: 'come on, come on and play one-on-one against me, coward." He said "Your mother's p*ssy" to me. But no, I didn't say anything at any moment."
• Reporter: "Did you hear Mbappé when he was saying to you "Are you a f*king… pic.twitter.com/Buf47mMT7W
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) April 25, 2026
Prestianni claims Mbappé called him a “f*cking racist”
When asked whether he heard Mbappé directly accuse him of racism during the match, Prestianni confirmed he did — but says he chose to stay silent rather than escalate the situation.
“Yes, I did hear him. But no, I wouldn’t react ever. You are treating someone as a racist and they never were.”
— Prestianni on Mbappé’s accusation
Prestianni’s account adds fresh context to the incident, suggesting that both Vinicius and Mbappé were verbally engaging him from the very start of the match — not merely reacting to any alleged remark from him.
“I admire Messi — they are just normal players to me”
In what may be the most striking part of the interview, Prestianni was asked whether he admires Vinicius and Mbappé as players. His answer was pointed.
“Did I admire them as players? No. Admire, no. Admire, I admire Messi. For me, they are top players, but normal players as well.”
— Prestianni on Vinicius and Mbappé
The comment underscores the Argentine’s defiant attitude throughout the ordeal. Despite facing a UEFA ban and a potential FIFA extension that could keep him out of the 2026 World Cup, Prestianni appears unintimidated — and unapologetic about his feelings toward his accusers.