Gianluca Prestianni Biography: Benfica’s Argentine Wonderkid Shaping the Future of World Football

Gianluca Prestianni Gross is one of the brightest young talents in modern football. Born on January 31, 2006, in Ciudadela, Argentina, the dynamic winger has rapidly evolved from a promising academy graduate into a rising international star.

Known for his explosive acceleration, close control, and fearless attacking style, Prestianni currently plays for Portuguese giants S.L. Benfica and represents the Argentina national football team.

Despite his young age, Prestianni’s career trajectory reflects maturity, discipline, and elite-level ambition, qualities that position him among the most exciting players of his generation.

Early Life and Background

Gianluca Prestianni was born and raised in Ciudadela, a city within the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina. Of Italian descent, he grew up immersed in Argentina’s deep football culture. Standing at 1.66 meters (5 ft 5 in), he may not possess towering physical stature, but his low center of gravity has become one of his greatest competitive advantages.

From an early age, Prestianni demonstrated exceptional technical ability. His sharp dribbling and creative instincts quickly set him apart from his peers, leading to his enrollment in the youth academy of Vélez Sarsfield, one of Argentina’s most respected talent-producing clubs.

Breakthrough at Vélez Sarsfield

Gianluca Prestianni made his professional debut on May 24, 2022, in the prestigious Copa Libertadores against Estudiantes. Debuting in South America’s premier club competition at just 16 years old signaled the club’s confidence in his abilities.

Between 2022 and 2024, he made 36 league appearances for Vélez, scoring two goals while consistently impressing scouts across Europe with his agility, technical skill, and attacking intelligence.

His growing reputation received global recognition in October 2023 when The Guardian named him among the best footballers born in 2006 worldwide, a distinction that further cemented his status as a future star.

Record Transfer to Benfica

On December 22, 2023, Vélez Sarsfield reached an agreement with S.L. Benfica for Prestianni’s transfer in a deal valued at €9 million, with an additional €2 million in performance-based bonuses. Benfica acquired 85% of his economic rights, highlighting the Portuguese club’s strong belief in his long-term value.

The transfer officially took effect after his 18th birthday on January 31, 2024. He signed a contract running until 2029, with a reported €100 million release clause, a figure that reflects both Benfica’s development model and Prestianni’s immense potential.

Since arriving in Portugal, Gianluca Prestianni has featured for both Benfica B and the senior squad, gradually integrating into top-flight European football while maintaining steady development.

International Career: Argentina Over Italy

Gianluca Prestianni first represented Argentina at the U-17 level, scoring three goals in eight appearances. His performances attracted international attention beyond South America.

In early 2023, reports linked him with interest from Italy’s national team coach at the time, Roberto Mancini, following a similar eligibility switch by Mateo Retegui. However, Prestianni remained committed to representing Argentina.

In November 2025, he received his first senior call-up to the Argentina national football team for a friendly match against Angola. He made his senior debut on November 14, marking a significant milestone in his young career.

Playing Style and Strengths

Gianluca Prestianni is primarily deployed as a winger, capable of operating on either flank. His key attributes include:

• Exceptional dribbling in tight spaces
• Rapid acceleration and change of direction
• Creative attacking vision
• Confidence in one-on-one situations
• Tactical adaptability

His playing style mirrors the modern South American winger, technically refined, fearless, and unpredictable in the final third.

Career Statistics (As of 2026)

Senior Club Career

• Vélez Sarsfield (2022–2024): 36 appearances, 2 goals
• Benfica B (2024–): 11 appearances, 2 goals
• Benfica (2024–): 27 appearances, 2 goals

International Career

• Argentina U17: 8 caps, 3 goals
• Argentina U20: 6 caps
• Argentina Senior Team: 1 cap

Personal Life

Though born and raised in Argentina, Gianluca Prestianni has Italian heritage, making him eligible for dual nationality. Despite external interest, he chose to pursue his international future with Argentina — a decision widely praised by fans.

Off the pitch, he maintains a relatively private profile, focusing heavily on development and performance rather than media exposure.