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.

Benfica have competition on signing of Otamendi

Benfica are keen to retain experienced captain Nicolas Otamendi for another season as his current deal with the Portuguese giants expires in June 2026. The 38-year-old Argentine centre-back has been a rock at the heart of defence since arriving from Manchester City in 2020, captaining the side and delivering consistent performances in Portuguese League and European competitions.

Club officials value his leadership and professionalism, with reports indicating Benfica are preparing an offer to extend his contract by one more year. Otamendi remains a key figure in Jose Mourinho’s plans, bringing stability to a squad aiming for domestic and continental success.

However, interest from his homeland has resurfaced. River Plate are monitoring the situation closely, viewing the veteran as a potential free-agent reinforcement. The Buenos Aires club see Otamendi’s quality and experience as ideal for strengthening their backline, especially with his well-known affection for the Millonarios. Otamendi has kept his options open, stating he will decide after the current campaign and the 2026 World Cup. 

While loyal to Benfica, the pull of a return to his homeland of Argentina adds intrigue to Otamendi and his family. For now, the Eagles are pushing hard to keep their captain but will want to remain within budget on any new contract. 

Benfica hit by UEFA punishment over fans behaviour

UEFA has handed out their punishment to Benfica for their fans behaviour during their Champions League clash against Real Madrid in the first leg of their playoff contest at the Estadio da Luz.

Benfica had been sanctioned by UEFA with financial penalties and a suspended partial stadium closure. The incidents arose towards Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior who was targeted by the clubs fans with racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.

UEFA has ordered Benfica to close 500 seats in sectors 10 and 11 for their next home European fixture but this closure is suspended for a probationary period of one year. 

The club has also been fined a total of €73,000 which include fines for the fans behaviour, that included discriminatory incidents, laser pointing and throwing objects onto the field.Benfica assistant coach Luis Machado has also been suspended by UEFA for one fixture due to his actions during the highly emotional contest. 

Benfica was also quick in launching their own internal investigation after the incident and identifying the individuals responsible for the abuse. The club suspended five club members and revoked their Red Pass season tickets.