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.

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. 

Could NEC Nijmegen midfielder be the answer for Benfica?

Benfica could look toward NEC Nijmegen’s rising star Kodai Sano as they look to bolster their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 22-year-old Japanese international has exploded onto the scene in the Eredivisie, drawing Premier League and European interest after rejecting big-money bids in January. Sano joined NEC from J2 League side Fagiano Okayama in August 2023 for just €500,000
.

The then 19-year-old had already shown promise in Japan, featuring regularly in the second tier with solid ball progression and defensive metrics. In his debut Eredivisie campaign (2023/24), he quickly adapted, logging key appearances and building toward his breakout 2025/26 season, where he has started 28 league matches, scoring 3 goals and providing 7 assists while averaging over 7.6 in player ratings. 

Sano could cost Benfica €15-18 million including add-ons, a reasonable fee for a young, high-upside talent with a contract until 2028. His biggest strengths lie in his dynamic box-to-box profile, elite dribbling and vision to break lines, strong passing range, ball interception and tireless defensive work rate.

Versatile enough for central or attacking midfield roles, the right-footed dynamo excels at turning defense into attack with sharp transitions and distance shooting.

If Benfica can secure Sano this summer, he’d add another piece of youthful energy and technical quality to Jose Mourinho’s project, potentially becoming a long-term star at the Estadio da Luz as Benfica look towards silverware in the 2026-27 season.

Benfica look to make UEFA Youth League Final Four again

Benfica will travel to Italy to take on Inter Milan today in the quarter-final stage of the UEFA Youth League at the KONAMI Football Centre as the club looks to make the Final Four of the competition once again.

Benfica currently hold the competition records for most final fours, most matches played at 70 and biggest win in the Finals, a 6-0 defeat of Red Bull Salzburg in 2022, when they lifted the trophy of the competition for the first time.

Benfica have reached three other Finals in the competition, losing in 2014, 2017 and 2020. The Portuguese club's ability to produce young talent at their academy that go on to shine at the senior level is legendary.

The club will not have it easy in a one leg knockout today but they go to Milan full of confidence as they look to make it five final fours in the history of the competition. Cross town rivals Sporting will take on Real Madrid in the other quarter-final today in hopes of getting two Portuguese clubs into the Final Four. 

 

Mourinho handed two match ban by Portuguese League

In a dramatic turn during last Sunday's Portuguese League blockbuster, Jose Mourinho received a red card in Benfica's intense 2-2 draw against FC Porto, his former club where he famously won the Champions League. 

The incident occurred in stoppage time after Benfica's late equalizer, when Mourinho left his technical area and was accused of kicking a ball toward Porto's substitutes' bench in celebration and was shown a red card.

Tensions escalated as Mourinho clashed with Porto assistant coach Lucho Gonzalez, whom he accused of repeatedly calling him a "traitor" in the tunnel. Mourinho defended his loyalty, questioning what he had "betrayed" after giving his all to Porto years ago.

The Portuguese Football Federation's disciplinary council has ruled, a one-match ban for the red card, plus an additional 11-day suspension, effecting another game for provoking the confrontation. This two-match ban means Mourinho will miss one more game after sitting out today's 2-1 come from behind win by Benfica over Arouca.

Benfica title hopes on life support

The Classico at Estadio da Luz this past weekend ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw, keeping Benfica's unbeaten streak intact at 25 matches but a needed victory against league leaders FC Porto failed to materialize the result that was needed to bring the title race to within four points.

With just nine league games remaining, Benfica are still mathematically in the race but their chance of capturing the Portuguese League crown is now on life support as the club will need some help if they are to leap over two clubs before the end of this campaign.

Realistically, Benfica must win out and hope their rivals falter, the draw preserved the campaign but the club will need many things to go their way, including a crucial away clash against Sporting who currently sit in second, three points ahead of the Eagles. The fans have faith but their persistence will be tested in the final games of the season.

Benfica need a victory in O Classico against FC Porto

As the 2025-26 Portuguese League season reaches its critical phase, Benfica faces a pivotal "O Classico" against arch-rivals FC Porto this Sunday, March 8, at the Estadio da Luz. Entering Week 25 in a 34 week season, the Eagles simply cannot afford to drop points if they hope to challenge for the title.

Currently sitting in third place with 58 points from 24 matches (17 wins, 7 draws, 0 losses), Benfica trails leaders FC Porto (65 points) and second-place Sporting (61 points). A win would narrow the gap, especially with Benfica's impressive unbeaten streak and solid defense, conceding just 14 goals in the league this season.

FC Porto holds a historical edge in these encounters, beyond points, this match is about momentum and morale going into the final few weeks of the season. A Benfica defeat could widen the divide, allowing their rivals to pull further move away. For Benfica fans worldwide, this is a statement game as a victory here would reignite their title drive shrinking Porto's lead to four points.

Benfica remain unbeaten in league but sit third

Benfica sit in a rare and odd position, having yet to lose in league action after 24 weeks in the season but the club sit in third place seven points behind league leaders FC Porto, thanks to seven draws that have cost the club fourteen points.

Benfica are joined at this stage of the season by Fenerbahce, Slavia Prague and FK Vadar as clubs that have played at minimum 20 games in their respective leagues and remain undefeated in their league campaigns but surprisingly Fenerbahce are also not in top spot in Turkey at this stage of the season.

Benfica have a huge home game this coming weekend in an O Classico as they host league leaders FC Porto with anything short of a victory being considered a blown opportunity with just 10 games left in the season and the club looking to cut the deficit for top spot.  

The last time a club went undefeated in a season and failed to capture the league title was during the 2007-08 season when Red Star Belgrade lost the title to rivals Partizan Belgrade. Benfica did have an undefeated season in 1977-78 and also lost the league title that year on a tie breaker to FC Porto.

Benfica need to find attacking midfielder this summer

Benfica have lacked a midfielder with line breaking passes this season and need to find this addition this summer during the transfer window if they are to add another form of threat into their attack.

The club was hoping this player would have been summer addition Georgiy Sudakov but the 23 year old Ukrainian international has been used in various positions due to injuries and has not provided what was expected when the club acquired him from Shakhtar Donetsk.

A player that could add what the club needs is soon to be 25 year old Croatian international Toni Fruk, he currently applies his trade with HNK Rijeka and has been a key member of the squad's run to the UEFA Conference League round of 16, scoring four goals in the competition.

Benfica may have to pay more than double what Rijeka paid Fiorentina this past summer to acquire Fruk which was €4 million. In over 2,827 minutes of action, Fruk has scored 13 goals across all competitions while providing three helpers.

Fruk is the classic #10, a left footed play maker, he acts as the primary creative engine from the midfield with excellent close control. Fruk is considered the modern attacking midfielder of today. Benfica's troubling season has seen them fail to move the ball effectively through the middle of the field and Fruk could be the solution to solving this piece.

Benfica out of Champions League after gutsy performance

In the electrifying second leg of the Champions League playoff, Benfica showcased sheer guts and determination against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Benfica struck first in the 14th minute when Rafa Silva tapped in the opening goal, leveling the aggregate and stunning the hosts but that lasted all but two minutes as Real responded swiftly with Aurelien Tchouameni's equalizer.
 

Benfica though refused to crumble and they continued to press relentlessly, creating chances and testing Thibaut Courtois, embodying the fighting spirit that defines the club but Vinicius Junior's 80th-minute winner sealed a 2-1 defeat and a 3-1 aggregate win as Real advanced to the last 16.

Benfica showed their potential against the Spanish powerhouse but it was not meant to be and they exit the Champions Leagues with €53.1 million in their coffers and will now turn their attention to the Portuguese League as the look to fight for the title.