Benfica icon Luisao did not hold back in his response to Gianluca Prestianni’s attempt to explain his role in the heated Champions League clash with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
The former Benfica captain, who spent 15 years at the club, called out the Argentine winger on social media, describing his conduct as “racist” and expressing shame that it happened under the club’s banner.
Luisao’s remarks came after Prestianni posted a statement defending himself following the controversial first-leg encounter in Lisbon.
While Prestianni sought to clarify the situation, Luisao dismissed the explanation, saying: “This shirt is very important, I love Benfica; it’s my second skin, you have to be worthy to wear the sacred shirt, this text makes it worse because it’s a lie… Football is won with grit, with a fighting spirit… He was racist, YES, and I’m ashamed of it.”
The veteran defender stressed that his comments were not meant as a personal attack but as a defense of Benfica’s values.
Responding to fans who sought clarification, Luisao added: “I defend the club and I have experience, I know what I’m talking about. I’m not judging anyone. I’m just saying that Benfica is too big to get involved in this, whether it’s true or not. Although, based on experience, I know the truth.”
The clash, which saw Vini Jr celebrate a goal and later allege racial abuse by Prestianni, led to a ten-minute suspension under UEFA protocols, shining a spotlight on both players and the wider issue of racism in football.
