**Benfica: The Pride of Portugal – History, Squad, and Top 5 Legendary Players**
## **Introduction** Sport Lisboa e Benfica, widely known as **Benfica**, is one of Portugal’s most renowned and successful football clubs. Founded in **1904**, Benfica has evolved into a worldwide football superpower, possessing a rich history, passionate supporters, and world-class players. With **a team of roughly 30 senior players**, Benfica routinely competes at the top levels in **Primeira Liga, UEFA Champions League, and domestic cups**.
In this blog article, we’ll explore: ✔ **Benfica’s history and achievements** ✔ **The current squad size and structure** ✔ **The 5 most popular Benfica players of all time** (with full profiles)
By the conclusion, you’ll realize why Benfica is more than simply a club—it’s a **symbol of Portuguese football excellence**.
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## **Benfica: A Brief History & Achievements**
Benfica was formed on **February 28, 1904**, in Lisbon, Portugal. The club’s **red and white colors** and **eagle emblem** are renowned globally. Nicknamed **"Águias" (The Eagles)**, Benfica is the **most successful Portuguese club** in terms of domestic titles.
### **Key Achievements:** 🏆 **38 Primeira Liga titles** (Portuguese league record) 🏆 **2 UEFA Champions League titles** (1960–61, 1961–62) 🏆 **26 Taça de Portugal trophies** 🏆 **7 Taça da Liga titles** 🏆 **2 European Cup finals in the 21st century (2013, 2014)**
Benfica’s home stadium, **Estádio da Luz (Stadium of Light)**, houses around **64,000 fans**, giving it one of Europe’s most exciting atmospheres.
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## **How Many Players Are in Benfica’s Squad?**
Benfica has a **first-team squad of roughly 25–30 players**, including goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers. The club also has a famous **youth academy (Seixal)**, which has produced talents like **João Félix and Bernardo Silva**.
### **Current Squad Breakdown (2024):** - **Goalkeepers:** 3 (e.g., Anatoliy Trubin, Samuel Soares)
- **Defenders:** 8–10 (e.g., Nicolás Otamendi, António Silva)
- **Midfielders:** 8–10 (e.g., João Neves, Orkun Kökçü)
- **Forwards:** 6–8 (e.g., Ángel Di María, Rafa Silva)
Benfica’s squad includes **experienced veterans and emerging talents**, assuring competitiveness in numerous events.
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## **The 5 Most Popular Benfica Players of All Time**
Benfica has produced **some of football’s greatest legends**. Below, we discuss the **top 5 most popular players** who left an everlasting impression on the club.
### **1. Eusébio (1960–1975) –
The Black Panther** 🇵🇹 ** Nationality:** Portuguese (born in Mozambique) ⚽ **Position:** Striker 🏆 **Key Achievements with Benfica:** - **11 Primeira Liga titles** - **5 Taça de Portugal trophies** - ** 1962 European Cup winner** - **Ballon d’Or winner (1965)**
**Why He’s Legendary:** Eusébio is **Benfica’s all-time best scorer with 638 goals** in 614 appearances. His **speed, power, and lethal finishing** made him one of the finest strikers in history. He guided Benfica to back-to-back **European Cup victories** in the 1960s and became a **global football icon**.
### **2. Rui Costa (1991–1994, 2006–2008) –
The Maestro** 🇵🇹 **Nationality:** Portuguese ⚽ **Position:** Attacking Midfielder 🏆 **Key Achievements with Benfica:** - **1 Primeira Liga title** - **2 Taça de Portugal trophies** - **UEFA Champions League semifinalist (1994)**
**Why He’s Legendary:** Rui Costa was **one of the most graceful playmakers** in football history. After starting at Benfica, he shined at **Fiorentina and AC Milan**, before returning to oversee the squad as **club president (2021–present)**. His vision and ingenuity made him a fan favorite.
### **3. Águas (1950–1963) –
The Captain of the Golden Era** 🇵🇹 **Nationality:** Portuguese ⚽ **Position:** Striker 🏆 ** Key Achievements with Benfica:** - ** 5 Primeira Liga titles** - **2 European Cups (1961, 1962)** - **5 Taça de Portugal trophies**
**Why He’s renowned:** Águas was the **captain of Benfica’s renowned 1960s team**, guiding them to **back-to-back European Cup triumphs**. His leadership and clutch performances established his reputation as one of the club’s greatest-ever captains.
### **4. João Félix (2016–2019) –
The Prodigy** 🇵🇹 **Nationality:** Portuguese ⚽ **Position:** Forward 🏆 **Key Achievements with Benfica: ** - **1 Primeira Liga championship (2018–19)** - **Europa League top scorer (2018–19) ** - **Sold for €126m to Atlético Madrid (record transfer)**
**Why He’s Legendary:** João Félix emerged from **Benfica’s academy** and became a **overnight sensation**. His **technical skill, dribbling, and creativity** won him a **record-breaking transfer** to Atlético Madrid. He remains one of the club’s most exciting youth graduates.
### **5. Nuno Gomes (1997–2000, 2002–2011) –
The Fan Favorite** 🇵🇹 **Nationality:** Portuguese ⚽ **Position:** Striker 🏆 **Key Achievements with Benfica:** - **1 Primeira Liga title** - **3 Taça de Portugal trophies** - **144 goals for Benfica**
**Why He’s Legendary:** Nuno Gomes was a **prolific striker and faithful servant** to Benfica. His **work ethic, leadership, and passion** made him a beloved figure. He played almost **300 matches** for the club and remains a **symbol of dedication**.
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## **Conclusion: Why Benfica Remains a Football Giant** Benfica’s heritage is founded on **historic successes, world-class talent, and an unbreakable link with fans**. From **Eusébio’s dominance** to **modern stars like João Félix**, the club continues to inspire.
With a **squad of roughly 30 outstanding players**, Benfica remains a **force in Portugal and Europe**. Whether you’re a veteran fan or new to football, Benfica’s narrative is one of **passion, grandeur, and endless ambition**.
**What’s your fondest Benfica memory? Let us know in the comments!**