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Forever Benfica: Portugal’s Most Famous Soccer Team
Benfica is the most well-known and successful soccer team in all of Portugal. Founded in 1904, the legendary team is based in Lisbon and plays its home games at the Estádio da Luz, which is Portuguese for Stadium of Light. The club is also one of the founding members of the Primeira Liga, Portugal’s top-division soccer league.
Throughout its history, Benfica, also known as Águias (meaning Eagles), has achieved a number of impressive feats. The team has won more than 50 official titles, including the Primeira Liga record of 36 times and a record of 25 Portuguese Cups. On the international stage, the club has won 4 European titles. In 1977, they made history by becoming the first team from a Portuguese league to win the European Cup. Additionally, they have appeared in 13 European finals, which is the most by any club in Portugal’s history.
Benfica has been managed by some of the greatest coaches in soccer history, which include Eusébio, Sven-Göran Eriksson, Vi Escobar, and Toni. To date, these are the only managers to have led Benfica to the Primeira Liga championship title.
Benfica boast some of Portugal’s most talented players, many of whom have gone on to make an impact on the international scene. Former Benfica midfield stars Luis Figo, Nuno Gomes, Manuel Fernandes, and Paulo Sousa all went on to star in the national team. Luis Figo, in particular, enjoyed an illustrious career that included both league and international titles.
Another player who left a lasting impact on Benfica was Eusébio, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all-time. He won the Balon d'Or in 1965 as the best European player of the year. His exploits on the field included some of the greatest goals scored in Portugal’s history, and many trophies with the team.
The Benfica of today is still a massive force in Portuguese soccer, having won their last 3 Primeira Liga titles in a row. The team is still widely popular with their devoted fan base, and considered one of the biggest teams in world soccer.
Some of Portugal’s biggest stars still don the Benfica shirt, including current captain Rui Patrício, forward Rafa Silva, and center-back Ferro. The consistently high-level play of these and other players has helped Benfica remain competitive in the league.
Benfica is an indelible part of Portuguese football history, having been around for over 115 years. Their trophy-laden history speaks for itself, and it’s no wonder they are beloved by fans far and wide. Benfica is without a doubt one of the great teams of world soccer, and their best days no doubt still lie ahead of them.
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