Benfica make u-turn on Mourinho future with club after Real Madrid interest

As the 2025/26 season enters its final stretch, Benfica president Rui Costa is reportedly pushing to secure the long-term future of manager Jose Mourinho amid growing speculation linking the Special One with a sensational return to Real Madrid. Mourinho, who returned to the Estadio da Luz in September 2025, is currently contracted to Benfica until June 2027.

However, the deal includes a break clause that allows either party to terminate the agreement in the 10 days following the final match of this season. This effectively means Mourinho could depart the club for free or for a relatively low compensation fee according to some reports, if no new agreement is reached. According to recent reports, Mourinho has already submitted a detailed proposal for a contract extension, signalling his desire to remain at Benfica beyond the current terms and his desire to get the club to the Champions League.

Yet President Rui Costa has so far preferred to honour the existing deal, creating a subtle but noticeable tension behind the scenes. With Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said to view Mourinho as his preferred candidate to replace interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, the pressure is mounting on Benfica’s board. Costa, who brought Mourinho back to the club, now faces a critical decision, does he offer the experienced tactician the security and improved terms he seeks, or risk losing one of the most charismatic figures in world football on a potentially a free exit this summer. 

For Benfica fans, the coming weeks will be decisive. Can Rui Costa convince Mourinho that his project at the Eagles is worth committing to long-term, or will the pull of another spell at the Santiago Bernabeu prove too strong to resist. The two sides are talking and a decision will come one way or another, we will just need to find out which direction the decision goes goes in the coming weeks. 

Benfica look towards Brazil and Gremio center back

Benfica are interested in Gremio center back Viery and are said to be the main European club in pursuit of the 21-year-old with a move potentially taking place this summer.

Viery has broken into Gremio's starting eleven this season and has impressed with his performances; the fact that he is a left-footed center back adds to his value. He is signed until 2029 and although the Brazilian club is open to selling, they have set a valuation on the player of €25 million for negotiations.

Benfica views the talent as a long-term investment to bolster their backline. However, Benfica does have competition, with Premier League sides Brighton and Newcastle also being linked to the player.

Benfica wants to secure the talented youngster before his valuation skyrockets. As the product of Gremio's youth system, Viery is the prototypical center back with composure on the ball, aerial strength and the versatility to play as a left back if needed. 

UEFA suspends Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for 6 games

UEFA has announced the suspension of Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for six matches following an incident against Real Madrid's Vinicious Junior in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off in February 2026. The 20-year-old Argentine was found guilty today of homophobic discriminatory conduct.

Vinicius had alleged he was subjected to racist abuse,  with teammate Kylian Mbappe claiming to have overheard the repeated insults. The match was halted briefly amid the claims. Prestianni denied using racial slurs towards anyone and in his meeting with UEFA admitted the words used were homophobic rather than racist.

After completing their investigation UEFA handed Prestianni a six-match ban for homophobic conduct. Three of those matches are suspended subject to a two-year probationary period. Prestianni has already served one game, having missed the second leg against Real Madrid and will be subject to sit two more UEFA matches. 

Benfica interested in Palmeiras striker for summer move

Benfica have emerged as serious contenders for Palmeiras striker Flaco Lopez, with reports indicating the Portuguese club is weighing a summer move for the 25-year-old Argentine striker as Jose Mourinho is said to be a big fan of the player.

Under Abel Ferreira at Palmeiras, Lopez has flourished as a versatile centre-forward capable of dropping deep or leading the line. His impressive form has caught the eye of European scouts, positioning him as a potential reinforcement for Benfica’s attack. Palmeiras value Flaco very highly and are said to want as much as €40 million to move on for the player, reflecting his contract until 2029 and strong recent performances.

Interest in Flaco Lopez extends beyond Benfica, with Bologna and Atletico Madrid also monitoring the striker, while Premier League sides like Brentford and Everton have made enquiries, highlighting his growing reputation across Europe. In 2026, Flaco has scored 9 goals and provided 6 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions, including solid contributions in the Serie A Brasileiro and the Copa Libertadores.

Last Season Flaco had an excellent campaign with 25 goals and 6 assists in 64 matches, cementing his status as one of South America’s rising strikers and earning his first call up to Argentina's national side in October 2025. With his physical presence, finishing, and link-up play, Flaco Lopez could be a smart addition for Benfica if they meet Palmeiras’ valuation. A move to Europe seems likely with a destination still unknown.

Benfica get a major victory over Sporting in Lisbon Derby

In a pulsating Lisbon Derby at Estadio Jose Alvalade today, Benfica delivered a dramatic 2-1 victory over hosts Sporting in Portuguese League action, dealing a significant blow to the Lions' title hopes while reigniting their own challenge to catch Sporting for second spot.

The match began with high tension. Luis Suarez missed a penalty for Sporting in the 19th minute, but the visitors quickly recovered. Andreas Schjelderup stepped up confidently from the spot in the 27th minute, slotting home to give Benfica a 1-0 halftime lead after a composed finish under pressure. Sporting dominated possession in the second half and found an equalizer in the 72nd minute when Hidemasa Morita rose to head home a precise cross, sending the home crowd into frenzy and leveling the score at 1-1.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Benfica produced a moment of magic. In the 93rd minute, just after a Sporting goal was ruled offside, Rafa Silva produced a moment of magic, latching onto a pass from Leandro Barreiro and firing a clinical strike past the Sporting goalkeeper to secure a 2-1 win. The late goal sparked wild celebrations among the visiting Benfica faithful. The result left Benfica in strong contention to fight for a spot in Champions League play, while Sporting, despite a spirited display, suffered a heartbreaking home defeat in one of Portuguese football's fiercest rivalries.

This result adds another thrilling chapter to the Lisbon Derby, with Benfica finally proving their mettle in a high-stakes clash. Mourinho's tactical discipline and late-game opportunism proved decisive in a match that will be remembered for its late game drama and Rafa's heroics.  

Benfica youth exit in the semi-final stage of UEFA Youth League

Benfica suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the UEFA Youth League semi-finals on today. Despite entering as heavy favourites with a strong campaign scoring 38 goals, the Portuguese giants fell short on this day. Club Brugge took the lead through a saved penalty kick in the first half where the saved rebound unfortunately went right back to the spot kicker who found the back of the net. 
 
 

Benfica missed a flurry of chances to bring the game level before the half which would prove costly as the game wore on. Two more goals by Brugge in the second half before a late own goal that went Benfica's way would be all the scoring in the game and Benfica bowed out of the competition in the final four stage.

This was Benfica's fifth appearance in the final four of the competition and the first time that they did not advance to the Finals. Benfica captured the UEFA Youth League crown in 2021-22 and are the only European Club to win the Under 20 Intercontinental Cup between Europe and South America youth champions in the summer of 2022.

Benfica show interest in Jagiellonia Bialystok midfielder

Benfica are showing strong interest in signing 19-year-old Polish attacking midfielder Bartosz Mazurek from Jagiellonia Białystok this summer, according to reports from journalist Piotr Kozminski. The youngster has burst onto the European scene with an impressive performance, scoring a hat trick in the UEFA Conference League against Fiorentina this season.

The right footed play maker joined Jagiellonia's main squad in early 2025 and has been a prominent player this season for the Polish side. His creativity, goal threat, and versatility in attacking roles have drawn scouts from across Europe.

Jagiellonia hold a strong negotiating position with Mazurek who has a contract until June 2028. A summer move could command a significantly hefty price tag on acquiring the Polish U19. Benfica are not alone in their interest with other clubs monitoring the youngster that include Fiorentina, Napoli, Premier League sides and even Portuguese rivals FC Porto. 

A move to Lisbon would represent a major step up for Mazurek, offering  potential Champions League football and development under Benfica’s renowned academy system. Mourinho is looking for a revamp of the squad next season, more in his mold after inheriting a squad made for former bench boss Bruno Lage and Mazurek could be a major scoop for the Lisbon side.

 

 

Benfica monitoring Tromso's young midfielder

Benfica eyes Norwegian talent Jens Hjertø-Dahl as the club actively monitors the 20-year-old Tromso central midfielder as a potential summer signing for the 2026-27 season. The Norway U21 international has caught the attention of several European clubs, including West Ham, Wolves, Hamburg and city rivals Sporting, following a strong campaign in the Norwegian Eliteserien.

Hjerto-Dahl brings a rare physical presence to the midfield. His blend of attributes makes him an intriguing prospect for Jose Mourinho’s side. Technically refined for his size, the youngster excels in ball control and short dribbles to escape pressure. He carries the ball with purpose, progresses play effectively, and delivers quality long passes to get the attack going in the right direction.

Defensively, his strength in aerial duels, well-timed tackles and physicality in one-on-one situations add steel to the engine room. Offensively, he contributes with a powerful mid-range shot and intelligent positioning, offering a threat on goal from a long distance. For Benfica, Hjertø-Dahl could provide depth and dynamism in central areas, complementing the squad’s technical players with his athleticism and composure. 

A cost-effective, high-upside addition, he fits the club’s strategy of investing in promising talents who are ready to develop in Lisbon’s demanding environment. With competition heating up, Benfica must act decisively if they wish to secure this rising Scandinavian star. 

Signed with Tromso into 2029, the 20 year old is said to have a price tag in the €13 million to €15 million range for potential suitors this summer. Look for Benfica to get ahead of the pack early as they look to enforce their squad for next season.

Designing a home jersey for Benfica's 2026-27 season

Benfica prepares for the 2026-27 season, the iconic red home jersey remains a symbol of passion and tradition for "As Aguias." Club guidelines established in recent years mandate a predominantly red shirt, paired with white shorts and red or black socks, while preserving the full-color crest. This foundation allows adidas, the long-time kit partner, to innovate without straying from heritage.

One exciting concept draws inspiration from Benfica's street football roots, evident in the 2025-26 kits. Imagine a deep crimson base with subtle tonal eagle-wing patterns woven into the fabric, creating texture and movement reminiscent of the Vhils collaboration.

Black accents on a rounded collar and sleeve cuffs add sharpness, while three white adidas stripes grace the shoulders. A vintage goal graphic with "SLB" could appear faintly on the lower back, nodding to community origins. A bolder variation incorporates modern technology with heritage flair.

The Glorious Eagles decided to get creative an provide some ideas for the home jersey for next season while trying to maintain a classic and artistic design that we know fans love.

 

Click to Enlarge Image 

Design 1: A classic all red jersey with white trim on the neck and sleeves, you can't get a nice simpler look.

  

Design 2: An old school style that includes a collar, the jersey includes red as the majority color but a bit more white is added throughout the jersey in just the right places.

Design 3: The least likely of the three to be on the field next season but you just have to like the red and white stripe, its bold and could become an instant favourite.

 Tell us what you think

Benfica season looks to be over after another missed chance

Benfica’s frustrating 1-1 draw against bottom-half side Casa Pia on Monday night has dealt a potentially fatal blow to their 2025-26 Portuguese League title hopes. With just six matches remaining, the Eagles sit third on 66 points, trailing leaders Porto by seven and second-placed Sporting by two who have a game in hand.

Richard Rios gave Benfica a 68th-minute lead, but Rafael Brito’s 78th-minute equalizer for the hosts exposed familiar defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge. What should have been a routine three points against a relegation threatened opponent turned into two dropped points that may prove decisive.

The gap to the top is now likely insurmountable unless both Porto and Sporting suffer major collapses. Even a perfect run from Benfica would leave them reliant on favours from rivals. With the title race slipping away, Benfica will need to look at themselves as a club in their final six league games.

Focus now should urgently shift to securing second place and the associated Champions League qualification. Consistency over the final stretch, starting with sharper finishing and greater defensive solidity, will be vital to avoid an even bigger collapse. For a club of Benfica’s stature, finishing third would represent a disappointing season and potential undefeated league season.

Benfica top world rankings of most profitable academy

Benfica continue to top the world rankings in sales of developed players from the club's academy in the past ten years.

According to the CIES report which features 100 clubs with the highest sales of developed players since January 2016. Benfica sit atop the rankings bringing in €589 million with Joao Felix's sale to Atletico Madrid topping the club's list and accounting for around 20% of the total value.

Benfica are not alone as the only Portuguese club in the CIES report as Sporting sit 5th (€417 million), FC Porto at 18th (€284 million) and Braga at 35th (€173 million).

Look for Benfica to continue to cash in over the next few years with academy players, with the likes of Antonio Silva, Tomas Araujo, Daniel Banjaqui and Anisio Cabral being linked with club moves outside of Portugal.