Benfica eyes move to strengthen back line

As the winter transfer window approaches in the coming weeks, Benfica are monitoring Internacional center back Vitao.

The 25 year old defender who's contract runs until the end of 2026 has caught the eye of Benfica, with his solid performances during this past Serie A season. Benfica are not alone in their interest of the Brazilian defender as Flamengo are also said to have their eye on Vitao as well.

Benfica currently have three center backs who represent their core at the position, in Otamendi (37 years old), Antonio Silva (22 years old) and Tomas Araujo (23 years old) and would be looking at Vitao as the fourth member of this group.

With Otamendi's contract set to expire at the end of the season and the emerging growth in the organization of 19 year old center back Goncalo Oliveira. A move for Vitao represents a proactive squad planning move for the club as they look to bolster their squad for next season.

 

Benfica enter must win clash against Napoli

Excitement is building as Benfica get set to host defending Italian Champions Napoli at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday in a pivotal Matchday 6 encounter of the Champions League phase.

Benfica who earned their first points of the competition on Matchday 5 with a 2-0 victory over Ajax in Amsterdam, have been patchy throughout the competition but the win ended their four game losing streak, offering the club hope with three games remaining.

Napoli brings defensive solidity after back to back clean sheets but have been in poor form away from home, suffering four straight road defeats. The two clubs last met in the competition during the group stage of the 2016-17 season with Napoli winning both contests.

Look for Benfica to come into the game with confidence after a strong performance against cross town rivals Sporting this past week, although they were unlucky to not capture all three points, Benfica are hoping for a favourable result against Napoli on Wednesday.  

 

Benfica's next set of upcoming stars are just around the corner

Benfica's youth academy, based at the Seixal training ground, has long been a powerhouse in European football, producing world-class talents like Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Renato Sanches, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias. In October 2025, the CIES Football Observatory ranked Benfica's academy as the best in the world, with 93 players developed currently active in professional leagues across 31 different leagues.

This recognition underscores the club's commitment to nurturing young prospects through meticulous scouting, state-of-the-art facilities and a philosophy emphasizing technical skill, tactical intelligence, and mental resilience. 

As we look toward the future, several promising players are emerging from the clubs ranks and poised to make their mark with the first team and beyond the countries borders. Here, we spotlight three talents: Joao Veloso, Rodrigo Rego and Diogo Prioste.

Joao Veloso: The Tempo Setting Midfield Maestro

Born on June 26, 2005, in Albufeira, Joao Veloso embodies the modern midfielder's profile. Veloso began his journey at local clubs Loule (2012–2014) and Albufeira (2014–2017) before joining Benfica's prestigious academy in 2017. 

His progression has been steady, signing his first professional contract in June 2022 and earning praise for his tactical intelligence and physical presence. Veloso is a complete midfielder, excelling in maintaining team tempo, initiating attacks, and finishing opportunities. He has made 34 appearances for Benfica B, scoring once and has featured six times for the senior team.

In September 2022, British paper the Guardian named him one of the best global talents born in 2005, a testament to his potential. On the international stage, he has represented Portugal across youth levels, amassing 40 caps and 8 goals from U16 to U20. Veloso is tipped to break into Benfica's first team regularly, potentially filling the void left by departing stars.

Rodrigo Rego: The Dynamic Winger with Flair

Born January 3, 2005, in Aveiro, Rego brings speed and creativity to Benfica's flanks. His youth path took him from Porto (2012–2021) to Famalicao (2021–2022) before Benfica snapped him up in June 2022. Preferring his left foot, the winger extended his contract with Benfica in May 2023 for promotion to the U23s and again in December 2024 for Benfica B.

Rego has impressed with 11 appearances and 2 goals for Benfica B, showcasing his dribbling and crossing abilities. His senior debut came on November 21, 2025, in a 2–0 Taca de Portugal win over Atletico CP, where he earned the man of the match honors for his energetic performance. 

Internationally, he has two caps for Portugal's U17, Rego's versatility as a right winger makes him a prime candidate for first-team minutes, especially in wide attacking roles, the 20 year old already has a fan in current club manager Jose Mourinho.

Diogo Prioste: The Versatile Engine Room Operator

Born March 26, 2004, in Lisbon, Prioste is a central midfielder known for his work rate and vision. He started at Damaia Ginásio in 2010 before immediately transitioning to Benfica's youth ranks that same year.

Signing his professional deal in September 2020, Prioste has become a mainstay for Benfica B, with 62 appearances and 9 goals since 2022. He made his first team debut in 2025. Prioste's achievements include winning the 2021–22 Campeonato Nacional de Juniores with Benfica's juniors.

Internationally, he has 35 caps across Portugal's U15 to U20 teams, scoring 3 goals and was a runner-up at the 2023 UEFA Euro Under-19 Championship. His ability to control games from the midfield, positions him as a future key player, potentially emulating the success of predecessors like Enzo Fernandez. 

In conclusion, Benfica's academy continues to thrive, with these young stars exemplifying the club's talent pipeline. Players like Veloso, Rego and Prioste are set to carry the torch, ensuring Benfica remains a force in Portuguese and European football. Keep an eye on them, as the future is bright at the Estadio da Luz.

Benfica have Porto in path to Taca de Portugal title

Benfica will face Farense in the round of 16 on their quest to capture their 30th Taca de Portugal title and first since 2017.

In their path to capture the title is long time rivals FC Porto who the club would face in the quarter-final stage of the competition if both clubs are to get past their opponents. Porto's opponents in the round of 16 will be Famalicao.

Benfica will face Farense away from home on December 17 with the quarter-final stage set to take place around January 11 but in the meantime, Benfica will need to turn their attention to cross town rivals Sporting as both clubs are set to clash in a league encounter this Friday. 

Benfica ready to chase Utrecht left back El Karouani

Benfica and rivals FC Porto are said to have reached out to Utrecht about the availability of Moroccan left back Souffian El Karouani, according to reports out of Spain and has caught the attention of many squads with his fine first half of the season performance in the Netherlands.

El Karouani currently leads the Eredivisie with eight assists and has provided thirteen helpers across all competitions while chipping in three goals in over 2,000 minutes of action. El Karouani who was born in the Netherlands decided to join Morocco's national program debuting with the African side in 2021.

The 25 year old joined Utrecht in the summer of 2023 from NEC Nijmegen on a free transfer and with his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2026. Utrecht are hoping to cash during the winter window with a club that wants the player this season before he walks away for free.

With attack is El Karouani's hallmark, he does provide solid defensive coverage and ranks highly in duels won in the Eredivisie. This is the type of player that Benfica bench boss Mourinho covets and will be pushing the club's hierarchy to make the move.

 

Benfica get first Champions League win of the season

It took five games into the League Phase of the Champions League but Benfica finally got their first win of the competition, when they traveled to the Netherlands and defeated fellow cellar dweller Ajax 2-0.

The win provides the club with a sliver of hope of moving into the playoffs of the competition but with Napoli, Juventus and Real Madrid remaining on their schedule, the club will be in tough to advance again into the knockout rounds.

Benfica got a first half goal from Samuel Dahl, the club's first goal since the first half of their opening game and an injury time goal from Leandro Barreiro in the second half to seal the victory for the Lisbon side.

Jose Mourinho earned his first competitive victory in the competition not including qualifiers since he was on the sideline of Manchester United in December of 2017. 

Benfica will next host Napoli at the Luz on December 10. 

Benfica's Mourinho meltdowns continue after Taca victory

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho expressed strong frustration with his club after their 2-0 victory over third division side Atletico in the fourth round of the Taca de Portugal.

Mourinho was particularly upset with his clubs first half performance as they went into the half in a scoreless draw, stating that the club was not mentally present on the field and displayed an unacceptable attitude and lack of professionalism.

The club manager made four substitutions at the half but wish he was able to sub nine of his players off if it was possible. Instead he yanked out Franjo Ivanovic, Enzo Barrenenchea, Tomas Araujo and Joao Rego, replacing them with Ricardo Rios, Leandro Barreiro, Samuel Dahl and Andreas Schjelderup.

The changes seemed to spark the club who scored a pair of goals in the middle of the half with Ricardo Rios getting his head on a Fredrik Aursnes corner and Vangelis Pavlidis scoring from the penalty spot.

These type of lackluster performances do not bode well with the club looking for their first Champions League points of the season as they travel to Amsterdam to take on Ajax in a battle of cellar dwellers on Tuesday.

Mourinho will be hoping for a better overall performance from the club going forward with a couple of important Champions League games coming up and a Lisbon derby against Sporting sandwiched between the two. 

 

Benfica's winter transfer ambitions looks to include targeting another striker

As the winter transfer window approaches in January, Benfica is reportedly looking to circle back to Union Saint-Gilloise's prolific striker Promise David. The club was said to have some interest in David during the summer window but decided to acquire teammate Franjo Ivanovic, in a move that has not panned out for the club.

The 24 year old Canadian striker joined Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2024 from Estonia side Kalju for a rock bottom price of €600K and is signed with the Belgian club until the summer of 2029. David has appeared in 59 games for Saint-Gilloise across all competitions since joining the club, scoring 31 goals while providing five helpers.

David represents a dynamic addition to Benfica's attack with his speed, aerial ability and clinical finishing. Sources indicate that Benfica would need to splash a potential €15-20 million bid to get Saint-Gilloise's to the negotiating table. A move for David would bolster the club's number nine position and provide competition for current starter Vangelis Pavlidis.

This move would likely coincide with a loan out for summer signing Franjo Ivanovic. The 22 year old Croatian, acquired from Saint-Gilloise for €22.8 million in the summer, has struggled for form and minutes under Jose Mourinho, scoring just four goals in limited appearances. A loan for regular playing time would open up a roster spot while freeing up wages.

Benfica fans would hope this swap would reinvigorate their title challenge in the Portuguese League, where they trail current league leaders FC Porto by six points, eleven games into the seasons.

Benfica look to bring back Rafa Silva from Besiktas

Benfica is reportedly plotting a dramatic January 2026 return for former star Rafa Silva, who departed the club on a free transfer in summer 2024 after eight trophy-laden years. The 32-year-old Portuguese forward, known for his pace and versatility, joined Turkish giants Besiktas but has since expressed a desire to leave Turkey, sparking a contract dispute.

Besiktas has threatened FIFA action to enforce his stay, but unusual clauses in his deal may allow termination, paving the way for a Benfica reunion. Benfica looks at Rafa as their top winter target, preparing a 1 and a half year contract offer worth anywhere  €2M to €3M annually if he severs ties with Besiktas.

The approach aligns with Benfica's strategy under Jose Mourinho, who sees Rafa fitting easily into the current squad and the possible of the club not paying a transfer fee makes the move all that more intriguing.

At Besiktas, Rafa is earning €6M per season a lucrative contract that also includes as signing bonus of €10M spread out over the contract which would expire in the summer of 2027.

Benfica will have some competition from Saudi League clubs who are also monitoring the situation at Besiktas but are hoping that Rafa's emotional ties to the club will help lean him to a Portugal return. Everything hinges on what will transpire between Rafa and Besiktas, who are said to be open to receiving €10M for Rafa to make it all go away. 

Mourinho hands Benfica a list of what he wants during winter transfer window

As Benfica navigates a competitive Portuguese League season under Jose Mourinho, the Special One has made it clear that the club must act decisively in the January transfer window to chase silverware. Appointed in September, Mourinho has stabilized the team but highlighted vulnerabilities, particularly in attack and defense. 

With Benfica sitting third in the league, he believes that these targeted moves could propel them to the Portuguese League title. Mourinho has pinpointed five key positions for reinforcement, both right and left wing, the midfield, left-back, and striker. He cited productivity issues in the attacking line and a lack of depth as critical concerns for him.

His preferred first target is Real Madrid's left back Ferland Mendy, who would offer experience and stability amid uncertainties in that role. Benfica is ready to bid €10 million for the Frenchman, who has been sidelined at Madrid.

Speculation also links Mourinho with reunions with some of his former players that includes striker Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad and midfielder Nemanja Matic who is currently applying his trade in Italy with Sassuolo.

Mourinho's wish list will mean squad trimming for some current players, but no names have been mentioned but one can expect the club will need to fund his buys with player sales during the January window. The winter window will represent a pivotal moment for Benfica as fans await action while the man known as the Special One demands it.

Rui Costa re-elected as Benfica President

In a thrilling election that went down to a run off, Rui Costa has been re-elected as Benfica President and will be in charge of the club for the next four years, defeating challenger Joao Noronha Lopes who made a strong case to dethrone the incumbent President.

The former Portuguese football legend, who first took the helm in 2021, gained 65.89% of the votes, showcasing strong support from the club's passionate fanbase. Benfica supporters set an all-time record for voter turnout for a sports club with 93,081 votes cast yesterday a testament to the club's global following.

Rui Costa praised his opponent for a respectful campaign, emphasizing that it is now time for unity and promising more victories on and off the pitch for the club going forward. 

As Benfica faces competitive challenges in the Portuguese League and in Europe, Costa hopes that his leadership continuity will stabilize the club. Fans hope that this cements the club's direction going forward and are optimistic of commencing a new era of glory. 

Benfica's Champions League woes deepen with another heartbreaking loss

Benfica fans are left reeling after yet another Champions League disappointment, falling 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen at the Estadio da Luz on a Patrik Schick second-half strike that proved decisive, condemning the Eagles to their fourth consecutive defeat in the league phase and leaving them languishing at the bottom of the standings with zero points.

The match was a tale of frustration for Benfica, who dominated possession and created numerous opportunities but failed to convert yet again, a telling tale for a club that has failed to score since the 16 minute mark of the first game. A goalless stretch of 344 minutes in the competition and counting.

These misses epitomized Benfica's inefficiency in front of goal, with expected goals of 1.42 compared to Leverkusen's 0.74, this stat suggests that they deserved at least a draw in this match. Manager Jose Mourinho must address this European slump quickly, or Benfica's campaign risks ending in utter embarrassment.

The club's manager said post game that he was happy with his club's performance but frustrated with the result. Benfica now sit 35th in the competition with the same record as 36th placed Ajax and remain out of the basement on goal differential. Oddly enough these two clubs will face off in their next league game in Amsterdam at the end of the month.

 

Benfica in must win game as they get set to host Leverkusen

As the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season unfolds, Benfica finds itself in a precarious position. After suffering three consecutive defeats in the league phase, the Portuguese giants are teetering on the brink of an early exit from the competition.

A string of losses has exposed defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of clinical finishing, leaving Benfica fans anxious and demanding a turnaround. This week, Benfica hosts Bayer Leverkusen in a pivotal home fixture with both clubs looking for their first win in the competition but Leverkusen has managed two draws in their three games.

Benfica is hoping that their home fortress could prove decisive in boasting a raucous atmosphere that has toppled many elites in the past. A victory is non-negotiable for Jose Mourinho's side to revive their campaign and climb the standings.

Key players like Vangelis Pavlidis, Dodi Lukebakio and Richard Rios must step up in this contest. Will Benfica rise from the ashes, or deepen their crisis? The stage is set for drama in Lisbon this Wednesday night.

Benfica advance to Taca da Liga semis as they look to defend title

Benfica opened the defense of their Taca da Liga title with a convincing 3-0 victory over Tondea in the quarter-final stage and will now move on to face Braga in the semi-finals, the same as it played out last season.

The Final Four of the competition will be played once again in Leiria with Benfica and Braga going head to head on January 6, 2026 for a place in the Finals on the Saturday of January 10. 

Benfica got goals from captain Otamendi who converted a goal from the penalty spot in the first half, while Dodi Lukebakio and Vangelis Pavlidis cemented the victory with a pair of goals in the final twelves minutes of the game.

Benfica will be looking to capture their ninth Taca da Liga this season 

Benfica elections heading to a run off next Saturday

Benfica held a record setting election for President in which it failed to get a candidate over the 50% threshold that is required to become the club President for the next 4 years, setting up a run off on November 8.

Benfica club support members (socios) set an all time record with just over 85,000 supporters casting a ballot in the election yesterday. Current Benfica President led the way in support but garnered only 42.1% of the votes a massive drop from 2021 in which he captured 84.8% of members ballots.

Finishing in second was Joao Noronha Lopes who captured 30.2% of supporters votes, while former Benfica President Luis Filipe Vieira finished a distant third with just 13.8% of votes cast his way.

Costa and Lopes will now have two weeks to get the support of the 27+% of voters that they did not receive in the first round of elections in hopes of reaching the 50% required mark to be named the club President. 

Benfica can't win in Europe as slide continues

Benfica's UEFA Champions League campaign hit a new low this week, as they suffered a resounding 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James' Park. Harvey Barnes netted a brace, while Anthony Gordon added a third, exposing the Portuguese giants' defensive frailties under manager Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho lamented his team's lack of "horsepower" to compete, admitting Newcastle were simply too strong. This marks Benfica's third consecutive loss in the 2025-26 league phase, leaving them pointless and languishing near the bottom of the standings.

With just two goals scored and seven conceded in their three games, the Eagles' attack has been toothless, plagued by injuries and even fatigued from their domestic commitments. Fans have grown restless as Benfica face a daunting run ahead: home to Bayer Leverkusen, away at Ajax, and clashes with Napoli, Juventus, and Real Madrid.

With Presidential elections coming this weekend, the club may go into their next Champions League game with a new club President if polls are to be believed but that will have no effect on Benfica's European dreams, which are fading fast. Mourinho has a demanding task as he looks to revive the club and salvage pride.

Benfica and Atletico to face off in 4th round of Taca

Benfica coming off a 3rd round Taca de Portugal 2-0 win Friday over Chaves have learned their opponents in the 4th round of the competition as they get set to face city rivals Atletico who defeated Felgueiras 1932 by the same 2-0 score yesterday.

The 4th round matchup is set to take place on November 22 with Atletico as the assigned home club. You would have to go all the way back to the time of Eusebio in the 1960's for the last time these two clubs went head to head in a competitive game.

Benfica move on to fourth round of Taca de Portugal

In a dominant display, Benfica kicked off their Taca de Portugal campaign with a 2-0 victory against Chaves in the third round of the competition.

Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis stole the show, netting both goals. He opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a clinical finish from close range, capitalizing on a swift counterattack led by Georgiy Sudakov and then made it two at the 79 minute mark.

Chaves, from the second division, struggled to contain Benfica's attacking flair, with Dodi Lukebakio and Joao Rego creating constant threats. Despite some resilient defending from the Chaves backline they could not keep Benfica off the scoresheet.

Benfica will now await to find out their opponents in the fourth round as they will face the victors of Atletico and Felgueiras. 

Benfica ready to enter Taca de Portugal against Chaves

Benfica get set to kick off their participation in this seasons Taca de Portugal competition with a third round game against Chaves on Friday. 

Benfica last played a competitive game on October 5 when they traveled to Porto to take on their league rivals in what turned out to be a scoreless Classico. Benfica are hoping to capture their first Taca de Portugal since 2017 and their 27th trophy title in the competition.

Last season Benfica made their way to their first final since 2021 but lost to cross town rivals Sporting 3-1 in additional extra time. Benfica have lost their last three final appearances, one each to Sporting, FC Porto and Braga.

Who is new Benfica midfielder Georgiy Sudakov

Georgiy Sudakov, the 23-year-old Ukrainian attacking midfielder, has quickly become one of Europe's most exciting talents. Born on September 1, 2002, Sudakov's blend of vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring prowess has drawn comparisons to top playmakers. This summer, on August 30, 2025, he made a high-profile move from Shakhtar Donetsk to Benfica on a loan deal with an obligation to buy. 

The transfer includes a €6.75 million loan fee, €20.25 million for the permanent switch and up to €5 million in add-ons, potentially totaling €32 million, which would become a record signing for Benfica, while Shakhtar would retain 25% of his rights towards a future sale.

Sudakov's career began in Ukraine's youth systems, joining Sokil Brianka (2013–2014) and Metalist Kharkiv (2014–2017) before entering Shakhtar's academy in 2017.

He debuted for Shakhtar's senior team in 2020 and had amassed 148 appearances across all competitions, scoring 35 goals while providing 26 helpers.

Since joining Benfica, Sudakov has hit the ground running, scoring 2 goals in 5 league games and totaling 7 appearances with 2 goals and an assist up to this months international break.

His arrival bolsters Benfica's attack, especially after a challenging start to the season. Fans are buzzing about his potential to shine in the Portuguese League and Europe. With Ukraine's national team duties adding to his profile, Sudakov's Benfica chapter should provide fireworks as he looks to grow his pedigree.