Who is new Benfica midfielder Richard Rios

Richard Rios is a 25 year old Colombian international midfielder who joined Benfica this summer from Brazilian side Palmeiras on July 22 for a club record €27 million. He signed a contract with Benfica until the summer of 2030 with a €100 million buy clause.

Rios begin as a futsal player, honing his skills before making the move professional football. His journey took him from Colombia to Brazil where he joined Flamengo's youth clubs. He moved to Palmeiras in March 2023 and emerged as a key member of the squad and was recognized as the Brazilian leagues best dribbler in 2023.

Rios is a versatile midfielder capable of playing various roles, primarily as a central or defensive midfielder, with the ability to contribute in attacking positions. His style is shaped by his futsal background, which gives him exceptional dribbling, quick footwork, and agility.

Benfica views Ríos as an “all-action midfielder” to bolster their midfield for domestic and Champions League competitions. However, early performances have drawn mixed reviews from fans, with some labeling him “overrated” due to high expectations from the record-breaking fee.

Critics argue his contributions haven’t yet matched the investment, though his technical attributes suggest potential for growth under Benfica’s coaching. Rios will need some time to adapt to European football but he has the tools to become a stand out in the Portuguese League and beyond.
 

Who is new Benfica winger Dodi Lukebakio

Dodi Lukebakio is a 27-year-old Belgian international forward who recently joined Benfica from Sevilla on September 1, 2025, in a deal worth €20 million plus €4 million in performance-based bonuses. He signed a contract until June 2030, with a €50 million release clause.

A versatile right winger or midfielder, Lukebakio is known for his speed, dribbling, finishing and ability to assist. He began his career at Anderlecht’s youth academy, debuted for their first team in 2015, and has since played for clubs like Toulouse, Charleroi, Watford, Fortuna Dusseldorf, Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg, and Sevilla. 

Over 10 seasons, he has 52 goals and 22 assists in 213 top-five league appearances. At Sevilla, he scored 17 goals in 68 matches. Currently recovering from a muscular edema in his right leg, he’s expected to debut for Benfica by mid-to-late September. He has 27 caps for Belgium, including playing in Euro 2024.

Lukebakio is enthusiastic in joining Benfica and had some positive comments about the club’s passionate fanbase, which indicates he’s motivated to make an impact. Tactical adjustments by Benfica’s coach may focus on leveraging his speed and flair to enhance the team’s attacking dynamics as the club looks towards a title winning campaign.

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.