Benfica have a situation at right back

Benfica temporary right back Tomas Araujo was substituted for the fifth game in a row on Friday as he battles muscle injuries and the club is left reeling as they lack an adequate replacement for injured starter Alexander Bah.

The only natural right back the club currently has is 19 year old Leandro Santos who has appeared in four games this season but manager Bruno Lage is reluctant to use the youngster in difficult encounters and has played Araujo, Samuel Dahl and Fredrik Aursnes out of position since Bah's injury.

Araujo is expected to miss the club's Week 27 encounter against Farense on Wednesday in hopes that he will be ready to compete in the upcoming Classico on the weekend when the club will take on FC Porto at the Dragao.

Benfica missed the opportunity to add a right back during the winter deadline and will now need to work to puzzle pieces into the position for the remainder of the season. How will this work out, we will find out over the next two months as the season winds down.

Benfica linked with move for Independiente midfielder

Benfica are being linked with summer move for Independiente midfielder Felipe Loyola according to reports from Argentina, as the club looks to bolster squad for the 2025-26 season.

The 24 year old Chilean international has only arrived in Argentina during this past summer but he has already caught the attention of some of Europe's bigger clubs, as the versatile player who can play both center and defensive midfield but also right back if required.

Loyola has appeared in 11 games so far this year with Independiente scoring one goal while providing two helpers and has appeared in 31 games across all competitions with the Argentinian side since arriving from Huachipato for €1.65M.

Benfica continue their South American search for players, as they have the past few seasons as the club looks for bargain prices to acquire some hidden gems that will help the club and then sell them for profit as they have with Enzo Fernandez and Marcos Leonardo that past few seasons.

Benfica interested in extending Otamendi and Di Maria

Reports are coming out of Portugal that Benfica are open to talking new contract's with upcoming free agents Angel di Maria and the teams captain Nico Otamendi but both players are not in a rush to sign any contract as they decide what they want to do next season.

The Argentinian internationals are both getting up their in age as they are both 37 years old but Benfica are ready to offer both players one year contracts to keep them with the club for another season and have them be part of the club as they compete in the Club World Cup this summer.

Angel di Maria rejoined the club in the summer of 2023 after thirteen years away from first joining in the summer of 2007. While Otamendi arrived in the summer of 2020, after spending time in Portugal previously with rivals FC Porto from the summer of 2010 to 2014.

Both players have appeared in a combined 422 games for the club across all competitions, Otamendi (218), Angel di Maria (204). With Otamendi scoring eleven goals in his time at the club while Di Maria has contributed forty-six. They have combined to win eight cups in that time with Di Maria capturing 5 trophies and Otamendi 3 trophies. 

Pavlidis is the player of the month and Juventus are lurking

Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis has been named the Portuguese League Player of the Month for February after scoring four goals and providing an assist in four games of action. Pavlidis also captured the forward of the month for February earlier in the week.

After a slow start to his Benfica career, the 26 year old Pavlidis has been on fire scoring 13 of his season total of 20 goals across all competitions in the first 10 weeks of 2025. Benfica staff is now looking the wiser having paid an €18M price tag in the summer to acquire his services from AZ Alkmaar 

The Greek International's performance has not gone unnoticed with Italian giants Juventus said to be interested in discussing a possible move to Italy with the striker at the conclusion of the season. Benfica would be wise to hang onto Pavlidis if their is not an offer that knocks their socks off this summer.

Genk right back El Ouahdi re-appears on Benfica radar

Benfica is once again being linked with a summer move for Genk right back Zakaria El Ouahdi. The Eagles looked into the 23 year old Moroccan U23 international this past summer but the club's where unable to agree to terms for El Ouahdi.

Benfica are not alone in their interest for the El Ouahdi with several German clubs also in pursuit of the Genk right back. Benfica continues to deal with problems at the right back position due to constant injuries to starter Alexander Bah and lacking a natural alternative to him.

Benfica are said to be willing to increase their summer bid for El Ouahdi, in what was rumoured to be in the €8M to €10M mark. El Ouahdi has been with Genk since the summer of 2023 and has appeared in 58 games across all competitions for the Belgian side, scoring five goals while providing five helpers.

Benfica will travel to Barcelos to take on Tirsense

Benfica's semi-final opponent in the Taca de Portugal, Tirsense, has announced that they will play their home leg against the Lisbon side in Barcelos as they use Gil Vicente's Estadio Cidade do Barcelos for this encounter.

Tirsense's choice of stadium is about 35 minutes by car from their actual home stadium in Santo Tirso and is better suited for what is expected to be a boisterous Benfica crowd. 

The first leg game is scheduled to take place on April 9 with the return leg at the Luz on April 23. The winner of this two leg affair will take on the winner of Sporting/Rio Ave in the Finals on May 25.

Barcelona end Benfica's Champions League run

Benfica's Champions League run is over after sustaining a 3-1 loss in their second leg against Barcelona as the Lisbon side was totally out classed by the hosts and exit the competition in the round of 16.

It was a strange starting XI for Benfica who once again decided to go conservative on the attack from the wing back position, starting Tomas Araujo at right back and Samuel Dahl in for suspended Alvaro in his first start at left back in months.

Barcelona where relentless in their attack especially in the first half and Bruno Lage showed that he clearly could still not find the proper recipe against Barca in their third encounter of the competition this season.

Benfica killer Raphinha opened the scoring just eleven minutes into the contest before Benfica got an equalizer from Otamendi just two minutes later. 17 year old wonderkid Yamal would give Barca the lead once again just fourteen minutes later and Raphinha would get his second of the contest and fifth of the competition against Benfica just before the half.

The second half saw no changes from Lage to start the half, which left many scratching their heads and made you think if Lage actually knew the club needed to score three goals, just get into additional time.

Benfica had an Aursnes goal called back for an offside in the build up to the play, one of nine offsides the club would see called against them on this night.

Benfica in the end lived to regret not pulling off a victory over ten man Barcelona in the first leg, where they could just not get the ball past Barcelona keeper Szczesny. Benfica should receive in the vicinity of €65M total for making it to this stage of the competition.

The club will not turn their attention to capturing the Portuguese League title and are still in the Taca de Portugal competition.

 

 

Former Benfica great Luisao talks about depression battle

Former Benfica captain and technical director Luisao recently appeared on CNN Portugal discussing his battle with depression and his departing from the club, Portugal and his return to living in Brazil after 21 years in Portugal. 

Luisao stated that once he asked for help for the depression, things started to turn around for him, from someone that was becoming isolated and felt helpless to someone that is now looking to help others that are battling their own mental health issues.

Luisao says the move back to Sao Paulo had it's adjustment period with the city's population bigger then all of Portugal but feels that the move was well thought out and has helped with his recovery. Luisao is still signed with Benfica until the end of the year but remains on a leave of absence.

Luisao joined Benfica in the summer of 2003, playing in 15 seasons with the club before taking on a director role the past six. Luisao captured 20 titles and cups with Benfica during his playing days at the club with six of those being Portuguese League titles. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, remember that help is available. Please reach out to a medical professional in your area for help or contact the local crisis line, you are not alone although it may feel that way. 

 

Benfica could see return of Lindelof in summer

Man United center back Victor Lindelof is being targeted for a return to Benfica this summer as the Lisbon club looks to sign the upcoming free agent in what would be a likely move to replace captain Nico Otamendi who's contract will also be up this summer.

The 30 year old Lindelof last played for Benfica during the 2016-17 season before departing the club to join United in the summer of 2017 for €35M. He has appeared in 270 games across all competitions for United but it is not expected that the Premier League club will offer him a contract extension.

With Otamendi now pushing the age of 37 the club seems set to move on from the Argentinian international but will be looking for a veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball and someone to team up with one of their younger stars in the back end. 

Lindelof played in 169 games across all competitions between Benfica and Benfica B during his time at the club. The Swedish skipper arrived in the summer of 2012 and became a regular member of the main squad during the 2015-16 season.

Tiago Gouveia is two weeks away from returning to lineup

Benfica winger Tiago Gouveia is closing in on a return to the Benfica ranks after being out of action since suffering an injury to his shoulder back in August that required surgery to repair and has yet to suit for a game under Bruno Lage.

The 23 year old has played at total of eighty-three minutes this season, scoring one goal and providing a helper in a game against Casa Pia. Gouveia has appeared in thirty-one games across all competitions with Benfica, with the majority of game time coming last season when he became a permanent member of the squad under Roger Schmidt.

Gouveia has started taking part in squad activities and will be a welcome edition to Benfica who have been hit with a host of player injuries, while remaining in three competitions. The League, the Taca de Portugal and the Champions League.

Benfica first club in the world to hit 400,000 members

Imagine a stadium packed not just with fans, but with members. That's the power of 400,000 members strong! Benfica, the pride of Portugal, just hit that amazing milestone as it celebrates its 121st year.

This achievement proves Benfica's special bond with its fans. It also shows their unique spot in global football. What makes Benfica so unique? It starts with the "socio" system. This is a core part of the club's identity.

A "socio" is more than just a fan. They are official club members. It's different from simply buying a ticket. Socios have voting rights and access to special benefits. This also give the club money through their membership fees.

Socios play a big part in how the club is run. Think of them as stakeholders with serious clout. This differs from normal fans who love the club. The socios own it, in a way.

How do socios shape Benfica's future? They vote in club elections and assemblies. This means they choose the president and board. They also get to vote on important decisions. This ensures the club is fan-driven and has long-term stability.

Socios get their voices heard. Ordinary fans don't have this type of sway,
being a Benfica socio means belonging to something bigger. It’s about community. It’s about embracing shared values and traditions. This creates deep roots and lasting loyalty. It's a cultural thing. It's a way to connect with others. It extends far beyond just the game itself.

There are moments when socio support really mattered. Socios helped the club through tough times. Their backing secured success. They ensured stability. Their passion has directly impacted the club's journey.

Benfica has more socios than most big clubs. Even teams like Manchester United and Real Madrid. It's a world record. This shows Benfica's special connection with its fans. They really set the standard, other clubs might have more trophies, but Benfica has more dedicated members.

Socios are a major source of income. Membership fees add up. They also buy merchandise. All of this supports the club's operations. It helps them invest in players. They also improve their facilities, the socios represent a critical financial pillar for Benfica.

Benfica's socios live all over the world. This shows its global appeal. Many live in Portugal, of course. But there are socios in North America, Europe, and Africa. The club's reach is truly global, it shows the power of football to unite people, regardless of where they live.

Socios also get priority access to tickets. They can attend exclusive events. They can tour the stadium. These perks make them feel special. It gives them an exclusive connection to the club.
Socios get discounts on merchandise. They can also access partner programs. These deals save them money.

Benfica reaching 400,000 socios is remarkable. This milestone underlines their devotion. It highlights Benfica's unique standing in football. This achievement is a powerful reminder of the power of community. It's also a tribute to unwavering loyalty in sports.

If you want to become a Benfica socio click here to learn more.