SL Benfica

SL Benfica is one of the most historic, successful, and passionately supported clubs in European football — the pride of Lisbon and a giant of Portuguese football.






Quick Overview:

  • Full Name: Sport Lisboa e Benfica
  • Founded: 1904
  • Location: Lisbon, Portugal
  • Stadium: Estádio da Luz (Stadium of Light – Capacity: ~65,000)
  • Colors: Red and White
  • Nickname: As Águias (The Eagles), Os Encarnados (The Reds)







Major Achievements:

  • Primeira Liga Titles: 38 (record holders in Portugal)
  • Taça de Portugal: 26+
  • Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 9
  • UEFA Champions League:
    • Winners: 2 (1961, 1962 – under the legendary Eusébio)
    • Multiple Final Appearances: But famously cursed since the 1960s (the so-called Béla Guttmann curse)
  • UEFA Europa League: Several recent runs to the final (2013, 2014 – runners-up)







Current Era (2024–25):

Manager: Roger Schmidt – Brought a high-energy, pressing style of play, and won the 2022–23 Liga title.

Key Players:

  • Ángel Di María – Returned in 2023, bringing world-class experience
  • João Neves – Young midfield sensation
  • António Silva – Breakout defender, attracting top European interest
  • Rafa Silva – Creative attacking threat
  • Petar Musa / Arthur Cabral – Forward options
  • Odisseas Vlachodimos (left in 2023) replaced by Anatoliy Trubin in goal

Youth System: Benfica's academy is elite — produced stars like João Félix, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Ederson.









Playing Style:

Schmidt favors a high-press, vertical attacking game with tactical discipline — often built around a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 setup.

Benfica remains a powerhouse in Portugal and a consistent threat in Europe.