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. 

 

Benfica land Amadora wing back Sidny Cabral

Benfica landed their first signing of the winter transfer bringing in wing back Sidny Cabral from their city rivals Amadora. Benfica sent €6 million to Amadora for 90% of Cabral's rights along with a potential €2.5 million that could be paid if incentives are met. Benfica signed Cabral for four and half seasons and added a €60 million buy clause to the contract.

The 23 year old Cape Verde international is a multi position player and has already appeared as a right back, left back, left midfielder and right midfielder this season for Amadora. Cabral is both footed and manager Jose Mourinho will be excited to be able to take advantage of his versatility.

Cabral has scored five goals and provided three assists in sixteen games of action across all competitions for Amadora after joining the club as free agent this past summer from German third division side Vikoria Koln. He spent his youth in the Netherlands with Twente and Feyenoord and the move to Benfica is his biggest yet. 

Benfica may have a solution at striker at Rio Ave

As the winter transfer window gets set to open, Benfica under Jose Mourinho is reportedly looking to add another striker and a bold move might just be an acquisition of Rio Ave striker Clayton. 

The 26 year old Brazilian has been a revelation in the Portuguese League this 2025-26 season, netting 10 goals and providing 2 assists in 15 appearances (1,236 minutes). His expected goals stands at 6.1, showcasing clinical finishing, while his progressive carries (1.66 per 90) highlight his dynamic threat when on the field.

With Vangelis Pavlidis leading the line at the club while boasting 14 goals in 15 league games, Benfica needs some more reliable depth as current backups Franjo Ivanovic (3 goals in 13 games, 528 minutes) and Henrique Araujo (0 goals in 5 games, 23 minutes) have struggled to make an impact when called upon.

Clayton's proven scoring record of 24 goals over what amounts to a season and a half at Rio Ave, offers Mourinho a more goal-hungry option off the bench. His physicality and take on ability could complement Pavlidis perfectly, adding versatility to challenge for titles.

If sealed, this transfer could ignite Benfica's campaign, blending Mourinho's tactical nous with Clayton's firepower. It is unknown what the move may cost Benfica but €10M is the likely start point of any negotiations. 

Benfica bolsters defense with Sidny Cabral signing

In a strategic move ahead of the January 2026 transfer window, Benfica has secured the services of promising right back Sidny Cabral from Amadora. The 23 year old Cape Verdean-Dutch defender, born in Rotterdam, will join the Eagles for a reported €6 million fee with an additional €2.5M in add ons, Amadora will retain 10% of the players rights on a future sale.

This acquisition underscores Benfica's ambition to strengthen their back line amid a competitive Portuguese League season. Cabral's journey to prominence is an inspiring one. Starting his career in the Netherlands, he honed his skills before moving to Germany with clubs like Rot-Weiss Essen and Viktoria Koln before moving to Amadora as a free agent this past summer.

Cabral has showcased his versatility with Amadora, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair, he has scored five goals while providing three assists across all competitions in 16 games of action and 1,357 minutes of play. He has been able to accomplish this while at a bottom of the table club which makes his performances that much more impressive.

Benfica's interest stems from Cabral's ability to provide depth and competition at right back, especially with injuries and poor performances plaguing the squad. This signing could be a game changer for Benfica's title aspirations and European campaigns. 

As Cabral dons the red and white jersey in January, expect him to inject fresh vigor into the team. Welcome to Lisbon, Sidny, here is hoping that the future looks bright

Three things Benfica could use for Christmas

With the holiday season upon us, Benfica fans are hoping that Santa Claus will bring the club the right gifts this season, for a club that currently sits in third spot in the league.

Benfica fans are dreaming of gifts under the Christmas tree that could reignite their title challenge in the Portuguese League. With the January transfer window looming, here are three positions the club desperately needs to strengthen.

First, a reliable right back. Current options like Alexander Bah and Amar Dedic have shown promise, but injuries and inconsistencies highlight the need for depth for better depth at the position. Targeting a versatile defender like Sidny Cabral from Amadora could provide competition and stability on the flank.

Second, another striker to complement the attack. While Vangelis Pavlidis currently sits atop the goal standings in Portugal, the club's other options have been less than impressive when called upon in Franjo Ivanovic and Henrique Araujo. Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema's name has been mentioned on multiple occasions and he would bring proven goal scoring prowess if the club is willing to open the war chest.

Finally, a dynamic winger to inject pace and creativity. With long term injuries to Bruma and Dodi Lukebakio, the club needs to inject some younger blood and have been mentioned as one of the interested clubs  for River Plate winger Ian Subiabre. 

These additions could make 2026 a merry year for the Benfica fans, Hey Santa, are you listening? 

Benfica and FC Porto storied rivalry renewed in Taca de Portugal clash

In the thrilling landscape of Portuguese football, few matchups ignite passion like a Benfica vs FC Porto clash. These rivals are set to collide in the Taca de Portugal quarter-finals next month following their round of 16 victories this week.

The game is slated for January 14 at Porto's Dragao stadium, in what promises to be a high stakes encounter as both clubs look to advance to the final four of the competition.

The encounter will add yet another chapter to this fierce rivalry as the clubs are set to clash for the 38th time in the competitions existence. Benfica holds the edge all time with 21 victories to FC Porto's 11 wins, while the clubs have also had 5 draws.

Their meetings often produce some unforgettable moments, from Benfica's 8-2 thrashing in the 1952 final to tense round by round battles. These clashes embody the intensity of "O Classico", blending tactical play with raw emotion. 

The clubs last faced off in the Taca de Portugal during the 2021-22 campaign with FC Porto defeating Benfica 3-0 in the round of 16 on their way to capturing the Taca title that season.

Benfica last captured the Taca de Portugal in 2017 and lead the competition with 26 titles, while FC Porto follow in second with 20 titles and are coming off a three peat of title wins from 2022 to 2024 in the Taca. 

Fans anticipate a tactical masterclass, with Porto's home advantage clashing against Benfica's resilient attack. Whoever prevails, this matchup underscores why the Taca remains a vital part of the Portuguese football landscape, blending history, talent and unyielding rivalry.

Benfica set for Round of 16 Taca de Portugal

Benfica are set to play Farense tomorrow in the Round of 16, Taca de Portugal action, as they look to move into the quarter-final stage. Benfica will face the winner of FC Porto and Famalicao.

Benfica are unbeaten in their past seven games across all competitions and are hoping to extend that streak to eight games in in yet another road game in this seasons competition as the Lisbon club has yet to play a game at the Estadio da Luz.

 

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.