Who's Who that is running for Benfica President

The elections are set for October 25, 2025 and Benfica socios will be elect who their club President will be over the next four years.

The main candidates for this falls election include incoming President Rui Costa, former club President Luis Filipe Vieira, entrepreneur Joao Noronha Lopes and lawyer Joao Diogo Manteigas

In 2021 Rui Costa was elected the 34th club President replacing Luis Filipe Vieira who was forced to resign his position as he dealt with legal matters. Costa won the election with 84.4% of the popular vote from 40,085 submitted ballots, the most in the history of the club elections. 

Luis Filipe Vieira is hoping to return to a role that he held from 2003 to 2021, making him the longest serving club President in history. He was President during major projects like the Estadio da Luz and the Seixal training academy.

Joao Noronha Lopes ran against Vieira in the 2020 election and has re-entered his name for another try at President, he hopes to create a new football model led by Nuno Gomes as Vice President and wants to move the club forward with their use of technology like A.I. 

Joao Diogo Manteigas is a sports law attorney and has gained some traction for his clear ideas and willingness to bring debate and has support from a sector of the club's fans. He is the youngest candidate and hopes to give more of voice and power to the club's members and fans.

Other candidates to declare for the October election include Martim Mayer who is running on the slogan "Benfica in the Blood" and Cristovao Carvalho who wants to work on the goal of Benfica once again capturing the European Champions League within 4 to 6 years of his Presidency.