Gianluca Prestianni

Gianluca Prestianni is an Argentine attacker who gives defenders a choice: follow him towards the touchline or protect the route inside. He can carry the ball at an opponent, then find a teammate in the box or shift inside to shoot. That change of direction can turn a wide reception into a chance nearer goal.

He grew up in Vélez Sarsfield's academy and reached its senior side in May 2022. His debut came from the bench against Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores, while he was still sixteen. In 2023 he became a regular first-team presence at Vélez, moving beyond youth football.

Benfica signed him from Vélez in January 2024. Prestianni spoke then about adapting to a new group and a different style of play, and identified one-on-one attacking and creating for teammates as parts of his game.

In July 2025 he came on late against Sporting as Benfica won the Portuguese Super Cup. In January 2026 he started Benfica's 4-2 Champions League win over Real Madrid. Benfica advanced to the knockout play-offs with a stoppage-time goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

Argentina's under-20 side gave him a different stage in 2025. In the World Cup semi-final against Colombia, he drove towards the edge of the area and released Mateo Silvetti for the winning goal. Argentina reached the final but lost to Morocco.

A September 2026 Benfica match against Gil Vicente showed his options within one game. He crossed from the right for a headed chance, then cut inside a defender from the left in stoppage time and scored. Benfica's coach described using him near the right flank, in midfield spaces and on the left, depending on the team's needs.

In an October 2026 friendly against Burkina Faso, Prestianni started for Argentina, scored his first senior national-team goal and set up another.

Latest stats & form

Gianluca Prestianni currently plays for Benfica as a right winger. He has represented Argentina internationally.

Statistics cover recorded official matches.