Who's Who that is running for Benfica President

The elections are set for October 25, 2025 and Benfica socios will be elect who their club President will be over the next four years.

The main candidates for this falls election include incoming President Rui Costa, former club President Luis Filipe Vieira, entrepreneur Joao Noronha Lopes and lawyer Joao Diogo Manteigas

In 2021 Rui Costa was elected the 34th club President replacing Luis Filipe Vieira who was forced to resign his position as he dealt with legal matters. Costa won the election with 84.4% of the popular vote from 40,085 submitted ballots, the most in the history of the club elections. 

Luis Filipe Vieira is hoping to return to a role that he held from 2003 to 2021, making him the longest serving club President in history. He was President during major projects like the Estadio da Luz and the Seixal training academy.

Joao Noronha Lopes ran against Vieira in the 2020 election and has re-entered his name for another try at President, he hopes to create a new football model led by Nuno Gomes as Vice President and wants to move the club forward with their use of technology like A.I. 

Joao Diogo Manteigas is a sports law attorney and has gained some traction for his clear ideas and willingness to bring debate and has support from a sector of the club's fans. He is the youngest candidate and hopes to give more of voice and power to the club's members and fans.

Other candidates to declare for the October election include Martim Mayer who is running on the slogan "Benfica in the Blood" and Cristovao Carvalho who wants to work on the goal of Benfica once again capturing the European Champions League within 4 to 6 years of his Presidency.

The fresh faces at Benfica and the fond farewells

As the 2025/26 season kicks off, Benfica has been active in the transfer market, blending youth with experience to challenge for the Primeira Liga title and European glory. Under manager Bruno Lage, the club invested heavily in midfield and forward reinforcements while cashing in on key assets.

This summer's window, saw a net spend that reflects Benfica's ambition to dominate domestically and compete in the Champions League. The standout signing was Colombian defensive midfielder Richard Rios who arrived from Palmeiras in July 23 for a club record €27 million.

Rios, 25, brings tenacity and vision, addressing gaps in the engine room after last season's inconsistencies. Benfica also acquired Bosnian right-back Amar Dedic, who joined from Red Bull Salzburg for €12 million and the 22 year-old has already impressed at the club.

Argentine Enzo Barrenechea arrived on loan from Aston Villa in July, providing versatile defensive midfield cover for the season. His Premier League experience adds maturity to a young squad. Benfica added Rafa Obrador from Real Madrid, the 21 year old came at a bargain price of only €5 million.

Benfica on urgent hunt for a winger after Akturkoglu sale

Benfica confirmed the €22.5 million sale, plus bonuses that could see the deal reach €25 million of Turkish winger Kerem Akturkoglu to Fenerbahce. The 26-year-old, who joined from Galatasaray for €12 million last year, had been a key creative force, contributing 16 goals and 11 assists in 53 appearances during the 2024-25 season.

Akturkoglu scored the winner against his new club just days ago to send Benfica to the league phase of the Champions League and Fenerbahce home but the Turkish International had a wish to return to his native home and Benfica granted him that wish today.

His exit leaves a void in Benfica's attacking lineup, prompting an urgent search for a forward replacement to bolster their title challenge under coach Bruno Lage. Benfica announced a key reinforcement yesterday with the arrival of attacking midfielder Heorhii Sudakov from Shakhtar Donetsk on loan and now look to patch up another part of their squad.

Benfica's scouting network have already found a few pieces to the puzzle that could inject pace, creativity and be goal threats. The names that the club have been linked to in the past few days include Levante's Carlos Alvarez, Sevilla's Dodi Lukebakio and Wolfsburg's Mohamed Amoura.

Any of these three wingers will run the club between €20 to €40 million to acquire with Amoura being the gem of the bunch. Benfica could also turn their attention back to their league and search out a pair of Braga wingers in Ricardo Horta and Roger Fernandes to strengthen the squad.

No matter the direction that the squad takes and what player or players arrive, what we know is that the club is weaker today after the Akturkoglu sale and need to urgently fill the hole tomorrow over next week.