S.L. Benfica

FOUNDATION AND EARLY YEARS (1904–1930)

Sport Lisboa e Benfica’s origins trace back to 28 February 1904, when a group of young football enthusiasts gathered at a pharmacy in the Belém district of Lisbon and formed a club under the name Sport Lisboa. Led by figureheads such as Cosme Damião, this nascent club chose red and white colors and adopted the Latin motto “E pluribus unum” (“Out of many, one”), symbolizing unity and collective spirit.

In 1908, the club merged with Grupo Sport Benfica, adding the eagle and a bicycle wheel to its emblem reflecting its original involvement in cycling as well as football and officially became Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

During its first decades, Benfica established itself as a leading club in Lisbon, winning multiple Campeonato de Lisboa titles and building its first stadium, the Estádio das Amoreiras, in 1925.

RISE TO DOMINANCE – THE FORMATION OF A NATIONAL POWERHOUSE (1930–1960)

When the Portuguese national league (Primeira Liga) was formed in 1934, Benfica was at the forefront of Portuguese football. The club’s first league triumph came in 1935–36, beginning a run of domestic success that would spread across the 20th century and beyond.

By the early 1950s, Benfica had established itself domestically with a growing collection of Primeira Liga and Taça de Portugal trophies. A key milestone ahead of their European breakthrough came in 1950, when Benfica won the Latin Cup, a prestigious competition involving top teams from Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, marking the club’s first major international success.

In 1954, the club inaugurated the first iteration of the Estádio da Luz (“Stadium of Light”), a stadium that would become synonymous with Benfica’s identity and triumphs. Under managers like Otto Glória, Benfica professionalized its operations and boasted strong domestic campaigns.

THE GOLDEN AGE – EUROPEAN GLORY WITH GUTTMANN AND EUSÉBIO (1960–1970)

The 1960s remain Benfica’s most iconic decade. Legendary Hungarian coach Béla Guttmann transformed the team into a European powerhouse. With stars such as Eusébio, Mário Coluna, and José Águas, Benfica won successive European Cups:

1961: Benfica defeated Barcelona to win the European Cup.
1962: Benfica retained the European Cup, beating Real Madrid 5–3 in Amsterdam — a match that cemented Eusébio’s iconic status at 20 years old.

These back-to-back continental triumphs marked Benfica as the first Portuguese club to lift Europe’s top club trophy and remain unmatched by any other Portuguese club at that elite level.

After Guttmann’s departure — amid a now-famous legend of a “curse” that he supposedly invoked after leaving — Benfica reached several European finals but never again won the European Cup/Champions League, although it remained one of the most competitive sides.

DOMESTIC CONSISTENCY AND EUROPEAN HUNGER (1970–2000)

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Benfica maintained domestic dominance, securing league championships and cup victories, while also remaining competitive in Europe. The club reached the UEFA Cup final in 1983 and the European Cup final in 1988, though without securing a continental title.

From the late 1980s through much of the 1990s, the club experienced periods of financial strain and inconsistent league success, including an 11-year league title drought from 1989 to 2000. However, Benfica’s stature and the passion of its supporters remained undimmed.

A NEW STADIUM AND MODERN EVOLUTION (2000–2020)

In 2003, Benfica opened the new Estádio da Luz, a state-of-the-art home for the club with a capacity that has been expanded through subsequent renovations. As of 2025, the stadium closely holds over 68,100 spectators after upgrades added tens of thousands of seats and improved facilities.

On the field, Benfica enjoyed a resurgence under managers like Jorge Jesus and Rui Vitória, capturing multiple Primeira Liga titles, Taça da Liga trophies, and exiting deep runs in European competition — notably reaching Europa League finals in 2013 and 2014.

RECENT YEARS – CONTININUITY, CHALLENGES, AND GLOBAL EXPANSION (2020–2025)

Domestic Performance and Rivalries

Benfica remains one of Portugal’s “Big Three” clubs along with Sporting CP and FC Porto, never having been relegated from the top flight. Their historic rivalry with Sporting — known as the Derby de Lisboa or Dérbi Eterno — continues to be one of the most intense fixtures in Portuguese football.

In the 2024–25 Primeira Liga, Sporting clinched the title on the final matchday, finishing ahead of Benfica by virtue of a head‑to‑head advantage, leaving Benfica as league runners‑up.

Cup Success and Trophies

Despite missing the league crown, Benfica captured the 2025 Taça da Liga, winning 7–6 on penalties against Sporting on 11 January 2025 — marking their eighth League Cup title and their first since 2016.

However, in the 2025 Taça de Portugal final played on 25 May 2025, Benfica were defeated 3–1 by Sporting after extra time.

Benfica also started the 2025–26 season with silverware by winning the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira on 31 July 2025, defeating Sporting 1–0 and earning their tenth Supertaça title.

European and Global Ventures

Off the domestic stage, Benfica had a notable season in European competition in 2024–25, reaching the UEFA Champions League knockout phase, enhancing their ranking and reputation in European football circles.

In June–July 2025, Benfica participated in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States — a major international tournament featuring 32 teams — marking a historical milestone for the club. In that competition, they finished atop their group after results including a win against Bayern Munich and progression into the knockout stages, though they were eventually eliminated by Chelsea after extra time.

Managerial Change in 2025

In a bold move ahead of the 2025–26 season, Benfica appointed José Mourinho as head coach in September 2025, marking his return to the club 25 years after a brief stint in 2000. The Portuguese manager — known for his extraordinary success in European competitions — was brought in to revitalize Benfica’s competitive edge domestically and in Europe.

EARLY 2026 & CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS

In January 2026, Benfica produced a dramatic moment in the UEFA Champions League, defeating Real Madrid 4–2 in the final group stage match thanks to a dramatic 98th‑minute header by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin — a result that propelled them into the playoff rounds and underscored the team’s resilience and tactical evolution.

STADIUM AND INFRASTRUCTURE AMBITIONS

Beyond the pitch, Benfica is advancing ambitious plans to transform its home arena and facilities. In July 2025, the club unveiled proposals to significantly expand Estádio da Luz — potentially to around 120,000 seats — and to create a multi‑faceted complex with indoor arenas, sports halls, swimming facilities, and cultural spaces. These proposals aim to cement Benfica’s position as a global sporting institution and host major international events, including potential fixtures for the 2030 FIFA World Cup co‑hosted by Portugal.

FINANCIAL AND SYSTEMIC CONTEXT

Benfica’s administration, under President Rui Costa, has seen significant financial activity, including large television rights deals. In January 2026, the club secured a record-breaking €114.2 million contract with broadcaster NOS for TV rights over two seasons — the largest such deal in Portuguese football history.

At the same time, analyses of the club’s financial position suggest ongoing challenges, including growing liabilities and strategic decisions around player development and transfers, which have implications for the long-term sporting and economic model.

CANCHA FUTEBOLISTA – YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Benfica’s Benfica Campus in Seixal, inaugurated in 2006, has become one of the most influential youth football development centers in Europe. Over the past decade, the academy has generated over €1 billion in transfer income, producing world-class talents such as João Félix, Renato Sanches, and Bernardo Silva, and continues to be central to the club’s identity and competitive philosophy.

CULTURE, LEGACY, AND IDENTIFYING AS “O GLORIOSO”

Benfica’s identity — “O Glorioso” — is rooted not only in trophies but in enduring cultural impact. With a massive global fanbase, deep community roots in Lisbon and worldwide diaspora, and a history spanning over 120 years, Benfica’s influence extends far beyond national borders.

From Cosme Damião’s founding vision to today’s global ambitions, S.L. Benfica remains a club steeped in tradition yet constantly striving for new heights domestically, in Europe, and on the world stage.