Luis Filipe Vieira looks at Benfica Presidency once again

Luis Filipe Vieira looks to make a comeback bid to become Benfica's club President once again when elections happen on October 25, 2025, replacing the man who replaced him in current club President Rui Costa.

The world of football is no stranger to drama and one of Portugal's most storied clubs, is once again at the center of a gripping narrative as the club's former President from 2003 to 2021 has announced his intention to run for Presidency after departing the club due to legal trouble.

This narrative has sparked debate between the club's passionate fanbase, with opinions split between nostalgia for his bygone era to skepticism about his return to the club.

Luis Filipe Vieira's tenure as the club's President was nothing short of transformative, taking over in 2003, he inherited a club grappling with financial turmoil and a lack of competitive success. Over his 18 year reign, the longest in Benfica history, Vieira over saw a remarkable turnaround.

Under his leadership, Benfica captured seven league titles, multiple domestic cups and re-established themselves as a force on the European stage, reaching two Europa League Finals. His focus on modernizing the club's infrastructure, training facilities and broadcasting home games on Benfica TV, helped restore financial stability and global prestige.

However, Vieira's presidency was not without controversy. His 2021 resignation came amid the "Cartao Vermelho" investigation, which alleged fraud, money laundering and tax evasion involving deals. Vieira was placed under house arrest, while he maintained his innocence.

The lack of formal convictions has emboldened him to re-enter the spotlight, arguing that the justice system's failure to act, clears the path for his return to the club once again. 

Vieira's decision to run again, announced this month, has sent shockwaves through the Benfica community, sources close to the former president confirm that he has been actively rallying support from key figures and club members, with his pre-campaign already in motion. 

His platforms appear to center around restoring Benfica's dominance once again through his proven track record in charge of the club and attributing the club's current sporting and financial crisis to current president Rui Costa.

Vieira has stated that a victory by him will see him move to replace current manager Bruno Lage with ex-Porto manager Sergio Conceicao but his 2021 exit does have some fans and members wary of revisiting the controversies of his era and his reliance on specific agents when making transfer dealings, known as "Vieirismo".

This election does have the fan base deeply divided. Older supporters, who recall the club's struggles before Vieira's tenure, view him as a saviour who restored Benfica's pride. While younger fans, associate him with scandals and wonder if his return would hinder progress.

The 2025 election is shaping up to be a fierce contest, as along side Vieira and Costa, other candidates include Joao Noronha Lopes,  Joao Diogo Manteigas, Cristovao Carvalho and Martim Mayer.  Lopes is the more serious candidate of the four, receiving 34.71% of the votes cast during the last election. 

An expected record turnout of members on October 25 will decide if the club is to return to the old guard, maintain the status quo, or move into a fresh start. This result will be a defining moment for the club over the next four years.      

Benfica should look to Brazil for another striker

Benfica currently can count on one established striker for the upcoming season, with starter Vangelis Pavlidis as the sole player up top at this time. The club moved on from Arthur Cabral, selling him to Botafogo earlier this summer and the team does not seem interested in making Andrea Belotti's loan move from Como permanent.

The Lisbon club will be looking to add more depth to the striker position before the start of the season and one location they should look towards is Brazil and Serie A leading scorer Kaio Jorge, who is currently applying his trade for Corinthians.

Jorge is a dynamic forward with a blend of technical ability, physicality and goal scoring instinct. The 23 year old has already had a stint in Europe with Italian sides Juventus and Frosinone, where he showed some glimpses of potential despite limited playing time due to injuries and competition.

Returning to Brazil in the summer of 2024 looks to have brought back the player's confidence and form, making him an attractive prospect for Benfica, as he ticks many boxes that club looks at when acquiring a younger player from abroad.

Benfica was linked with Jorge back in the summer of 2021 while he played at Santos, but the player and club could not come to an agreement on financial terms and Jorge ended up moving to Italy, joining Juventus.

Jorge's versatility to play as a central striker or in a supporting role could provide tactical flexibility for Benfica manager Bruno Lage and his acquisition from Corinthians should not break the bank, keeping the club inline with their current budget plans as Jorge should be had for under €15M.

Benfica working on trio of acquisitions to strengthen squad

As the 2025-26 football season approaches, Benfica are looking to make bold moves in the transfer market to bolster its squad under the guidance of manager Bruno Lage. The Portuguese giants are reportedly working on a trio of high-profile acquisitions in, Joao Felix, Thiago Almada, and Enzo Barrenechea, as they aim to blend experience, youth, and international flair into their lineup.

Benfica's ambition comes with a significant financial commitment. The club is negotiating Joao Felix's return from Chelsea, with reports suggesting an offer of approximately €21-€25 million for a 50% stake in the player, though Chelsea values him at around €60 million. Felix, a product of Benfica's youth academy, carries a hefty release clause of $370 million, but the club is leveraging his willingness to return and his limited role at Chelsea to negotiate a more feasible deal.

When it comes to Thiago Almada, Benfica has proposed €28-€35 million for a 60% share, though Botafogo, his parent club, is holding firm at €40 million. The negotiations are complicated by Almada's loan stint at Lyon and ownership dynamics involving John Textor but Benfica are hoping to take advantage of Lyon's financial difficulties which include a need to raise €100M to avoid relegation to Ligue 2 but need to beware of Atletico Madrid's interest.

Lastly in regards to Enzo Barrenechea who is currently with Aston Villa, he is valued at around €10-€12 million, a figure Benfica is prepared to meet despite competition from FC Porto and Valencia. These investments reflect Benfica's strategy to secure long-term assets while navigating financial constraints and rival interest. 

The trio's statistical output from the 2024-25 season underscores their potential impact. Joao Felix, split the season between Chelsea and Milan, featured in 41 matches, accumulating 1,965 minutes. He scored 10 goals and provided 2 assists, showcasing his flair as a forward and his ability to influence games despite inconsistent playing time. His experience in top leagues like the Premier League and Serie A could prove invaluable as Benfica targets a strong Champions League campaign.

Thiago Almada, during his loan at Lyon, played 20 games (1,209 minutes), scoring 2 goals and delivering 4 assists. His versatility in midfield and contribution to Lyon's European efforts highlight his potential to add creativity and dynamism to Benfica's midfield, which Benfica require, especially with the departure of attacking midfielder Orkun Kokcu to Besiktas.

Enzo Barrenechea, meanwhile, impressed in his loan spell with Valencia, making 32 appearances (2,247 minutes), scoring 1 goal and registering 2 assists. His defensive midfield presence and consistency in La Liga suggest he could be a stabilizing force, particularly as a potential successor to Florentino Luis, who is also rumoured to be on his way out of Lisbon.

Acquiring these players aligns with Benfica's goal to reclaim dominance in the Portuguese League and excel in Europe. Joao Felix's homecoming could rekindle his early promise and boost fan morale along with team identity, though his high salary demands pose a challenge.  

Thiago Almada's international pedigree, including his role in Argentina's World Cup success, brings a global perspective to the squad, potentially elevating its competitiveness in the Champions League.

Enzo Barrenechea's youth and work rate offer a cost-effective solution to add midfield depth, addressing the departure of key players like Orkun Kokcu. Together, this trio could form a balanced attack and midfield, blending offensive creativity with defensive solidity. 

The transfers are not without hurdles. Chelsea's reluctance to lower Felix's price, Botafogo's firm stance on Almada and competition for Barrenechea could delay or derail these current deals that are being worked on.

Additionally, Benfica's financial limitations, exacerbated by the need to qualify for the Champions League group stage, require careful budget management. However, the club's optimism, fueled by player interest and strategic negotiations involving agents like Jorge Mendes, suggests a proactive approach to the season. 

Benfica's pursuit of Joao Felix, Thiago Almada and Enzo Barrenechea represents a calculated gamble to reshape its squad for the better. If successful, this trio could transform Benfica into a formidable force, blending nostalgia with new talent for the 2025-26 season. 

While financial and competitive challenges loom, the potential reward of a revitalized team makes this a compelling narrative to watch as the transfer window unfolds during these summer months.

NOTE: Thiago Almada signed with Atletico Madrid on July 16, 2025 and Benfica has signed Enzo Barrenechea on loan on July 18, 2025.