Benfica close to finalizing new deal with Anisio Cabral

Benfica have been in talks with striker Anisio Cabral who turned 18 yesterday and are keen to sign a new contract with the youngster who is garnering the attention of some of Europe's big clubs.

Anisio's current contract has a €30 million release clause and the club is looking to increase the clause to €80 million to fend off interest and give themselves more negotiating power with any club that has interest in obtaining Anisio.

A new contract would include a significant increase in pay and likely extend to the summer of 2031. Anisio has appeared in minimal minutes with Benfica this year but has scored twice, including the game winner last weekend over Alverca.

Look for Benfica to announce the Anisio signing shortly, but the club is not done there as they are said to also be in talks with to extend with right back Daniel Banjaqui and left back Jose Neto.

Benfica win in the Azores as they get set for Real Madrid

In a thrilling clash today at the Estadio de Sao Miguel in the Azores, Benfica edged out Santa Clara 2-1 in Week 22 action. Vangelis Pavlidis scored his 20th league goal of the season to open the scoring for Benfica just 16 minutes into the game, Benfica would then get an own goal by Santa Clara defender Paulo Victor before the end of the first half.

Goncalo Paciencia pulled Santa Clara to within one goal just two minutes into the second half but Benfica held firm to earn the victory. The win comes at a crucial time of the season as Benfica get set for a two leg playoff showdown against Real Madrid in the Champions League with the first leg set to take place at the Luz on Tuesday with the second leg taking place at the Bernabeu on the 25th.

Benfica are coming off a 4-2 victory over Real in the final game of the league phase and the club should be buzzing with confidence going into the matchup. Mourinho is hoping to find the right formula as he looks to show that he still has his dominance in Europe's major competition. 

Is Ruben Amorim edging closer to Benfica post

Portuguese football is buzzing with an intriguing managerial domino effect that is potentially on the horizon. Reports indicate that Jose Mourinho, currently managing Benfica, is the front runner to become Portugal's national team manager after the 2026 World Cup.

With Roberto Martinez's contract set to expire following the tournament, the Portuguese Football Federation appears eager to appoint the "Special One" to lead the national side going forward.

The move would potentially reunite him with Cristiano Ronaldo for one last dance. If Mourinho departs Benfica for the international stage, Ruben Amorim's name has emerged as the prime candidate to take over for Mourinho at the club.

The 41-year-old, fresh off a challenging 14-month stint at Manchester United that ended in January 2026, retains strong support in his homeland. His successful trophy laden spell at rivals Sporting and his nine years as a Benfica player make him a sentimental yet strategic fit for the Eagles. 

This potential swap could revitalize both club and country, blending Mourinho's experience with Amorim's innovative tactics in a seamless Portuguese reshuffle that could turn the second half of 2026 on it's head.

Benfica hope for favourable result in Sporting-Porto clash

As a die-hard Benfica fan, your hoping for a favourable result in tomorrow's FC Porto and Sporting clash at the Dragao, which feels like it could present a pivotal moment in the league season.

With Porto leading the league at 55 points and Sporting hot on their heels at 51, Benfica currently sit third with 46 points and are in a precarious spot. 

A Porto victory would keep the gap wide, potentially burying our title dreams deeper. But oh, how sweet it would be if Sporting pulls off the win and Benfica do their part defeating Alverca, then the top three spots would be separated by just six points.

Benfica, the only unbeaten team in the league would be back in the title race with games still to come against both teams in the second half of the season. We don't always want to see our rivals win but in this case it could set off a very interesting second half of the season.

Should Benfica sign free agent winger Raheem Sterling

Benfica, who are looking to bolster their attacking options, could target free agent winger Raheem Sterling, who has emerged as a tantalizing signing. The 31-year-old Englishman, was recently released from Chelsea and would bring a wealth of experience to the club that could elevate the Benfica's Portuguese League and European campaigns.

Benfica's concern could be the rust that Sterling may have due to lack of action this season, as he has unfortunately seen zero game action, after being deemed surplus at Chelsea and trained away from the first team throughout the first half of this season.

What you can not do is take Sterling's pedigree away, the four time Premier League winner with Manchester City, boasts 123 top flight goals and 75 assists in 396 appearances career wide. Sterling would inject pace, dribbling flair and clinical finishing from either wing spot.

Sterling spent last season on loan at Arsenal where he appeared in 28 games of action across all competitions, scoring once while providing five helpers in 1,143 minutes of action.

Sterling is coming off a £325,000 weekly salary with Chelsea and would have to take a significant pay cut if there was any hope of him making the move to Benfica. It would be a low-risk move for both the club and the player who would be looking to re-ignite his career, while Benfica would count on a boost toward silverware.  

Benfica underwhelms during winter transfer window

Benfica fans have been left scratching their heads after the 2026 winter transfer window slammed shut. With the team struggling in the Portuguese League and hoping to prolong their European campaign, they desperately needed reinforcements to bolster the squad depth.

Yet, Benfica's activity was disappointingly underwhelming, which perhaps shows the teams financial caution and spending much more than they already have. 

On the incoming side, the Eagles managed just two notable acquisitions. The return of veteran attacker Rafa Silva from Besiktas on January 22 for around €5 million brings experience and flair back to their attack. While Amadora's Swiss army knife Sidny Lopes Cabral joined in early January for €6 million, adding depth to the current squad.

The club's out going moves were move of the trimming of the hedges then actual big splashes. David Jurasek departed on January 16 for €3 million, while center back Adrian Bajrami moved for €900K on January 1 to FC Luzern.

The club also loaned left back Rafa Obrador to Torino for the remainder of the season with an option to buy. This sparse business is a missed chance to address midfield woes and injury concerns. Will these very minor moves be enough to salvage the season? Time will tell.

Benfica and Real Madrid ready for rematch in playoff

Benfica and Real Madrid will face one another once again following a thrilling final game of the league phase in the Champions League after UEFA drew the two clubs together for the playoff stage of the competition.

Benfica are going into the head to head encounter on a high after securing a 4-2 victory over the Spanish giants at the Luz. The win snuck Benfica into the 24th and final playoff spot after a last play goal by keeper Trubin that has been watched around the globe.

Benfica will host the first leg of the playoff on February 17 before travelling to Madrid and facing Real at the Bernabeu on February 25. Benfica are hoping that lady luck will be on their side once again. 

Benfica WOW.... Just WOW in Champions League win

Benfica did the unthinkable earlier today at the Luz and defeated Real Madrid 4-2 in an incredibly exciting game that saw keeper Anatoliy Trubin head in the final goal in the final play of the game to get Benfica into the final spot and slip into the next round of the Champions League.

The first half was an end-to-end spectacle. Real Madrid took the lead in the 30th minute when Kylian Mbappe headed home the opener from a Raul Asencio cross. Benfica responded quickly, equalizing just six minutes later through a Andreas Schjelderup's header on a counter-attack, set up by striker Vangelis Pavlidis.

Vangelis Pavlidis converted a penalty just before the half which was won after a foul in the box from a corner kick to Otamendi, giving Benfica a 2-1 advantage at the break. Benfica had one of their strongest half of the season and was unlucky to not be up by more.

The second half continued the intensity and Schjelderup would strike again just nine minutes into the half to make the score 3-1 for the home side, capitalizing on a swift move inside and beating Courtois to the low left side. Mbappe would cut the lead to one with his second of the match just four minutes later on a clinical finish.

Late drama would then ensue as Real would finish with nine men after red cards to Asencio and Rodrygo in injury time. Benfica went into what would become the final play of the game leading 3-2 and needing one more goal to move into the final play-off spot on goal difference.

Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin would move up for the set piece and join his teammates, rising highest to head home a 98th minute cross from Fredrik Aursnes, sealing the 4-2 win and a miraculous qualification for a club that started the campaign with four straight losses.

This pulsating match showcased Benfica's resilience under manager Jose Mourinho and provided the fans some real joy for once this season. Benfica's reward for finishing 24th in the league phase is an encounter potentially against Inter Milan or..... Real Madrid once again.

 

Benfica close landmark TV deal with NOS

Benfica announced a pivotal renewal of their television and multimedia rights deal with NOS, a landmark deal for the Portuguese giants over the next two seasons.

The extension comes as the club prepares for changes to the future of domestic broadcasting rights in Portugal. Benfica's initial major TV rights agreement with NOS dates back to December 2015 and was valued at up to €400 million over the past ten seasons.

The renewal covers the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, bridging to 2028 when centralized TV rights for the Portuguese Liga are set to take effect. Benfica will receive a total of €114.2 million over the next two seasons, the largest TV rights contract in Portuguese football history.

The deal represents a massive 42.75% increase from their prior deal and will provide a massive revenue boost for the squad, Benfica home games will continue to air on their Benfica TV channel.

Benfica's winter hunt could take them to Genoa

Benfica are turning their attention to Genoa's promising 19-year-old Italian born striker, Jeff Ekhator. With Benfica seeking to bolster their attacking options, Ekhator has emerged as one of their key targets to provide much needed depth behind starter Vangelis Pavlidis.

This interest comes after Benfica missed out on a loan deal for Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca, who is now set to join Nottingham Forest, redirecting the Portuguese club's focus in a different direction.

Genoa is said to want close to €20 million from Benfica if they are to land Ekhator, which would represent a significant investment for a depth player but falls in line with the club's acquisition of younger players with potential for increased value.

However, they're not alone in the race for Ekhator with Crystal Palace also eyeing him as a backup if their pursuit of Angers' Sidiki Cherif falls through, while Bologna and Atalanta have also shown interest.

Ehkator has come up through Genoa's youth system and has played in 576 minutes this season across all competitions, scoring three goals, yet at such a price tag would he be worth the gamble. 

Benfica hopes hang by a string to advance in Champions League

In what was a pivotal Matchday 7 Champions League clash at the Allianz Stadium, Juventus secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Benfica, putting a dent into the Eagles' hopes of advancing to the knockout stages of the competition.

Mourinho's Benfica arrived with a disciplined, compact setup designed to frustrate the hosts and look to hit on the counter, proving once again the Special One's tactical acumen in big European ties. 

The first half remained goalless, with Benfica holding firm and even creating some half-chances, showing Mourinho had the right game plan to contain Juventus' midfield and limit clear openings.

However, the second half exposed Benfica's weakness in the game, a lack of ruthlessness in the final third of the pitch. Juventus would break through in the 55th minute when Khephren Thuram fired home the game's opening goal which was quickly followed by Weston McKennie's clinical finish in the 64th.

Benfica's failure to be clutch when it mattered most would prove costly as the club squandered promising chances from continuous giveaways by the Italian side, lacking that killer instinct to punish Juventus in their home stadium.

A late lifeline came when Bremer conceded a penalty after a VAR review, but striker Vangelis Pavlidis slipped during his run-up to the ball and blazed it wide of the goal, an uncharacteristic miss that pretty much summed up Benfica's night in a nutshell.

Benfica's hopes to advance in the competition now hang by a thread as they sit 29th two points outside the qualification zone with one match left against heavyweight Real Madrid at the Luz. If Benfica are to advance it starts with a victory, followed by a lot of help from other game results. 

Benfica return to European play hoping to keep streak going

Benfica travel to Turin to take on Italian side Juventus in their seventh league game of the Champions League phase. The Lisbon side will be looking to make it three wins in a row in Europe after suffering four straight defeats, as they fight to get to the knockout round of the competition.

After suffering a disappointing past couple of weeks, which saw the club exit both the Taca da Liga and the Taca de Portugal, Benfica will look to put a stop the misery that they have caused the club's fans and get back on the right track and a victory against Juventus will go a long way.

The two clubs met last season in the competition also at Allianz stadium and Benfica came away with a 2-0 victory. Benfica will look to keep their perfect Champions League record against Juventus intact, a stretch of five games now without a draw or defeat.

 

Benfica reach agreement with Rafa Silva to return from Besiktas

Benfica have reached an agreement with Rafa Silva for two and half seasons to return to his former club and are now working with Besiktas to seal the move as the Lisbon club hope to welcome back the 32 year old attacking forward who left as a free agent just under two seasons ago.

The two clubs are said to be close to agreeing on a fee for Rafa which would include some bonuses attached to the players performance with the club. Benfica is said to have offered Besiktas €5M + bonuses but the Turkish club is looking for a bit more (around €7.5M) before agreeing to move on from the Portuguese player.

Besiktas is said to be going as far as asking Benfica to cover Rafa's unpaid salary for November, December and January of this season, which the player is owed but has not received since he has been out of action. Rafa has appeared in 16 games for Besiktas across all competitions this season, scoring five goals while providing three helpers, after coming off a season that saw him score 18 goals.

Rafa Silva spent eight seasons with Benfica, appearing in 326 games across all competitions, he scored 94 goals while assisting on 79 goals. Rafa captured six trophies while a member of the club, capturing three league titles, a pair of Super Cups and a Taca de Portugal.  

Benfica and FC Porto to clash for spot in Final Four

Benfica and FC Porto are set to add another notch in their glorious rivalry tomorrow as the two clubs get set to face off at the Dragao in a Taca de Portugal encounter.

This O Classico promises drama, with both sides vying for a semi-final spot in Portugal's premier cup competition. Benfica, under Jose Mourinho, enters with momentum, but history looms large. The last time these giants clashed in the Taca was the 2021-22 round of 16, where Porto dominated with a 3-0 victory at home.

Mourinho, who famously led Porto to glory in the 2004 Champions League, has yet to secure a win at the Dragao as an opposition manager, adding personal intrigue to his Benfica tenure. Meanwhile, Porto President Andre Villas-Boas has not beaten Benfica since becoming club President in April 2024, so something will have to give tomorrow.

Expect a game of tactical brilliance between two fierce rivalries who have combined to capture 46 Taca de Portugal trophies, (Benfica 26; FC Porto 20) between themselves. A final four spot awaits one of them tomorrow.

Benfica are looking towards Brazil for player addition

Benfica is reportedly casting an eye toward Brazil's Serie A and have their sight set on Palmeiras standout Facundo Torres, the 25 year old Uruguayan winger who had a dazzling season at Palmeiras. 

With Benfica aiming to bolster their attacking options in a competitive Portuguese League, Torres emerges as a tantalizing target. Known for his pace, technical flair, and left-footed precision, he could inject fresh energy into Jose Mourinho's squad.

Torres' career trajectory has been impressive. He burst onto the scene with Penarol in Uruguay, where he scored 20 goals in 71 appearances and helped secure the 2021 Uruguayan Primera Division title. 

Moving to M.L.S. side Orlando City in January 2022 for €9.7 million, he became a team designated player, netting 37 goals across 123 games and contributed to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup victory.

His form with Orlando City earned him a high profile switch to Brazilian side Palmeiras in December 2024 for up to €11.5 million, including add-ons. Torres' contributions extended to the Copa Libertadores, where he added 2 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearances in the club's finalist run.

Torres has demonstrated versatility as a right wing attacker and in the role of attacking central midfielder, blending creativity with a defensive work rate. His 29 appearances for Palmeiras in Serie A, saw Torres score 6 goals while providing 3 helpers in 1,669 minutes of action. Hence acquiring Torres wouldn't come cheap. 

Palmeiras, fresh off capturing this investment, might look to demand €20-€30 million, factoring in his contract which runs through 2028 and a 20% sell on clause held by Orlando City. 

How would Torres fit? Benfica's fluid 4-2-3-1 system thrives on dynamic wingers who can cut inside and create. Torres may just be the ideal successor to the departed Angel di Maria and the Uruguayan international could provide the spark that the club desperately needs this season.

Benfica kicked out of Taca da Liga by Braga

Benfica will not defend their Taca da Liga crown after they were eliminated yesterday by Braga, suffering a 3-1 defeat in their semi-finals game in Leiria.

Benfica had a terrible first half that saw Braga go into the break with a 2-0 victory before a converted penalty by Pavlidis cut the deficit in half but that was as close as the Eagles would get on the way out the door from the competition.

Benfica fans were upset and protested outside the stadium, manager Mourinho who did not mince his words following the contest made sure the players knew his distaste for the performance by ordering the players to sleep at the club's training ground for the night.

The heat is starting to turn up on manager Jose Mourinho who has not been able to get the best from this club in important games since taking over in September. This has been the case in multiple occasions and rumours are already swirling of axed United manager Ruben Amorim waiting in the wings.

Benfica in pursuit of Georgian gem from Saint-Etienne

Benfica has emerged as a front runner for Saint-Etienne's dynamic winger Zuriko Davitashvili. The 24-year-old Georgian international has dazzled in Ligue 2, netting 8 goals and providing 1 assist in 16 appearances, making him the club's top scorer.

Benfica reportedly tabled an €8 million bid, which was swiftly rejected by the French side, who value him higher. Competition is set to become fierce, with Everton, Besiktas and Fenerbahce also circling the versatile attacker known for his dribbling, progressive passes and long-range strikes.

Davitashvili's story adds some intrigue with prior links to manager Jose Mourinho as during his stint at Fenerbahce, Mourinho wanted to acquire the Georgian for the rebuilding Turkish giants but Saint-Etienne's €20 million demands ended talks between the two clubs.

For Benfica, landing Davitashvili could inject flair into their attack, especially with injuries mounting. Will Rui Costa seal the deal, or will rivals swoop in and acquire the player? The winter transfer window is slowly heating up! 

Benfica winter window approach should lay within the league for player additions

As the winter transfer window heats up in January, Benfica should look to continue to look for reinforcements from within Portugal's Portuguese League. Fresh off securing the services of versatile wing-back Sidny Lopes Cabral from Amadora for €6 million on a deal that runs until 2030.

The Eagles under Jose Mourinho can look towards more domestic talent to bolster their squad amid a challenging season. Cabral's addition could shift the club's strategy in the direction of proven league performers rather than splashing cash on foreign stars who need time to adjust to the league's style. 

Mourinho, known for his tactical acumen, has emphasized strengthening the team with players who understand the league's intensity. In the past three weeks, Benfica has been strongly linked with several Portuguese League standouts. Notably, Rio Ave winger Andre Luiz who has emerged as a hot prospect, with reports indicating a deal could be imminent.

The 24 year old wingers energy and passing range make him an ideal fit for Mourinho's rebuild. These links underscore Benfica's strategy of cost-effective, low-risk acquisitions from familiar territory to maintain competitiveness in the Liga title race and European campaigns. 

Another option the club can look at is Famalicao's 21 year old striker Yassir Zabiri, who has spent the past season and a half in Portugal and has scored four goals this season in 638 minutes of action. Zabiri has sparkled on the international stage for Morocco's U20 squad, scoring 19 goals in 30 appearances.

Injuries and potential loans of players on the current squad will open up space for acquisitions this winter window. Can the club make it all work? Time will only provide these answers. 

Benfica's ambitious push as they look to strive the rest of the season

As we kick off 2026, Benfica finds itself in a fierce multi-front battle, chasing glory in the Portuguese League, Taca de Portugal, Taca da Liga, and they are still alive in the Champions League. Currently sitting third in the league with 18 games to play and trailing leaders FC Porto and second place Sporting, the Eagles' primary goal is a simple one and that is to mount a relentless comeback in the second half of the season. 

In the Taca de Portugal, Benfica has stormed through early rounds with three convincing wins, aiming for a deep run as they look to lift the cup in May. The Taca da Liga sees them off to a strong start, defeating Tondela 3-0, with the semifinals next on the agenda later this month.  

Europe beckons too as they look to progress from the Champions League, league phase to the knockouts and after a poor start, the club has won two games in a row and hope to build on their solid domestic form to power them through the two final games.

With squad depth and fan support, Benfica's second-half mantra is to dominate every pitch, secure silverware and etch another chapter into their storied legacy. The hunt is on in 2026, will the Eagles soar? Tune in to find out.