SL Benfica Squad 2024/25

The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for SL Benfica, one of Portugal’s most storied football clubs. Known for their rich history, passionate fanbase, and commitment to developing world-class talent, Benfica has assembled a squad brimming with skill, experience, and youthful promise. This season’s roster reflects a blend of homegrown stars, shrewd acquisitions, and seasoned veterans, all aiming to dominate domestically and make a significant impact in European competitions. Below, we delve into the squad, breaking it down by position and providing an in-depth analysis of each player’s background, achievements, and contributions to the team.

SL Benfica lineup

Goalkeepers

1. Anatoliy Trubin

  • Nationality: Ukrainian
  • Former Clubs: Shakhtar Donetsk.
  • Transfer Fee: €10 million (2023)
    Anatoliy Trubin has established himself as Benfica’s first-choice goalkeeper following his move from Shakhtar Donetsk. Known for his commanding presence, lightning reflexes, and exceptional shot-stopping ability, Trubin has become a fan favorite. Standing at 6’6”, he dominates aerial duels and is a reliable figure in one-on-one situations. His distribution is also a key asset, often initiating quick counterattacks with precise long balls. Trubin’s performances in the UEFA Champions League have further cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising goalkeepers.

2. Samuel Soares

  • Nationality: Portuguese
  • Former Clubs: Benfica B.
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    Samuel Soares, a product of Benfica’s famed Seixal academy, serves as the primary backup to Trubin. Despite his young age, Soares has shown remarkable composure and technical ability. His agility and quick decision-making make him a reliable option between the sticks. While he is still developing, his potential is undeniable, and he has already gained valuable experience in domestic cup competitions and occasional league appearances.

3. Leo Kokubo

  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Former Clubs: None (Youth Prospect)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    Leo Kokubo is a highly-rated young goalkeeper who has risen through Benfica’s youth ranks. Known for his excellent reflexes and ability to read the game, Kokubo is seen as a future star. Although he is third in the pecking order, his inclusion in the first-team squad highlights the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent. Kokubo’s development will be closely monitored, as he represents the next generation of Benfica Goalkeepers.

Defenders

1. António Silva

  • Nationality: Portuguese
  • Former Clubs: Benfica B.
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    António Silva has emerged as one of the most promising center-backs in European football. A product of Benfica’s academy, Silva combines physicality with exceptional technical skills. His ability to read the game, coupled with his composure on the ball, makes him a cornerstone of Benfica’s defense. Silva’s leadership qualities have also earned him the captain’s armband on several occasions, despite his young age. His performances have attracted interest from top European clubs, but Benfica remains determined to retain their defensive stalwart.

2. Nicolás Otamendi

  • Nationality: Argentine
  • Former Clubs: Manchester City, Porto, Valencia.
  • Transfer Fee: €5 million (2020)
    Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi continues to be a vital presence in Benfica’s backline. Known for his tenacity, aerial prowess, and ability to organize the defense, Otamendi brings invaluable experience to the squad. His leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in guiding younger players. Despite his age, Otamendi remains a consistent performer, showcasing his ability to adapt to the demands of modern football.

3. Morato

  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Former Clubs: São Paulo.
  • Transfer Fee: €8 million (2021)
    Morato has developed into a reliable center-back for Benfica since joining from São Paulo. His physicality, combined with his ability to play out from the back, makes him a perfect fit for Benfica’s style of play. Morato’s versatility allows him to slot in at left-back when needed, providing additional depth to the squad. His performances have earned him recognition as one of the best defenders in the Primeira Liga.

4. Alexander Bah

  • Nationality: Danish
  • Former Clubs: Slavia Prague.
  • Transfer Fee: €8 million (2022)
    Alexander Bah has quickly become a fan favorite at Benfica due to his explosive pace and attacking contributions from the right-back position. Known for his overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses, Bah is a constant threat down the flank. Defensively, he is equally adept, using his speed and strength to neutralize opposing wingers. Bah’s consistency and work ethic have made him an indispensable part of the squad.

5. David Jurásek

  • Nationality: Czech
  • Former Clubs: Slavia Prague.
  • Transfer Fee: €14 million (2023)
    David Jurásek joined Benfica with high expectations and has lived up to the hype. A dynamic left-back, Jurásek is known for his attacking flair and defensive solidity. His ability to deliver dangerous crosses and contribute to the attack has added a new dimension to Benfica’s play. Jurásek’s adaptability and tactical intelligence make him a key player in the squad.

6. Tomás Araújo

  • Nationality: Portuguese
  • Former Clubs: Benfica B.
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    Tomás Araújo is another talented defender to emerge from Benfica’s academy. Known for his composure and ability to play out from the back, Araújo has shown great promise in his limited first-team appearances. His development is a testament to Benfica’s commitment to nurturing young talent, and he is expected to play a more prominent role in the coming seasons.

Midfielders

1. Florentino Luís

  • Nationality: Portuguese
  • Former Clubs: Monaco (loan), Benfica B.
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    Florentino Luís has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in Portugal. Known for his tireless work rate, tactical intelligence, and ability to break up play, Florentino is the engine of Benfica’s midfield. His passing range and ability to shield the defense have made him a crucial component of the team. Florentino’s consistency and leadership qualities have also earned him the respect of his teammates and fans alike.

2. João Neves

  • Nationality: Portuguese
  • Former Clubs: Benfica B.
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    João Neves is one of the most exciting young talents in Benfica’s squad. A versatile midfielder, Neves is known for his creativity, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His technical skills and composure on the ball have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. Neves’ potential is limitless, and he is expected to play a key role in Benfica’s midfield for years to come.

3. Orkun Kökçü

  • Nationality: Turkish
  • Former Clubs: Feyenoord.
  • Transfer Fee: €25 million (2023)
    Orkun Kökçü joined Benfica with a reputation as one of the most creative midfielders in Europe. Known for his passing range, set-piece expertise, and ability to score from distance, Kökçü has added a new dimension to Benfica’s midfield. His vision and ability to unlock defenses have made him a fan favorite. Kökçü’s performances have been instrumental in Benfica’s success, and he is expected to continue shining in the 2024/25 season.

4. Fredrik Aursnes

  • Nationality: Norwegian
  • Former Clubs: Feyenoord.
  • Transfer Fee: €13 million (2022)
    Fredrik Aursnes has been a revelation since joining Benfica. A versatile midfielder, Aursnes is known for his work rate, tactical intelligence, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His ability to play multiple positions has made him an invaluable asset to the squad. Aursnes’ consistency and professionalism have earned him the admiration of fans and teammates alike.

5. Tiago Gouveia

  • Nationality: Portuguese
  • Former Clubs: Benfica B.
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    Tiago Gouveia is a promising young winger who has made the transition to central midfield. Known for his dribbling skills, pace, and ability to create chances, Gouveia has shown great potential in his limited first-team appearances. His versatility and willingness to learn make him an exciting prospect for the future.

Forwards

1. Gonçalo Ramos

  • Nationality: Portuguese
  • Former Clubs: Benfica B.
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    Gonçalo Ramos has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe. Known for his clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to link play, Ramos is the focal point of Benfica’s attack. His performances have attracted interest from top clubs, but Benfica remains determined to retain their star striker. Ramos’ ability to deliver in big moments has made him a fan favorite and a key player in the squad.

2. Rafa Silva

  • Nationality: Portuguese
  • Former Clubs: Braga.
  • Transfer Fee: €16 million (2016)
    Rafa Silva continues to be a vital part of Benfica’s attack. Known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score crucial goals, Rafa is a constant threat to opposing defenses. His experience and leadership have been invaluable to the squad, and he remains one of the most consistent performers in the Primeira Liga.

3. Ángel Di María

  • Nationality: Argentine
  • Former Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Real Madrid.
  • Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2023)
    Ángel Di María’s return to Benfica has been a dream come true for fans. The Argentine winger brings a wealth of experience and quality to the squad. Known for his dribbling, creativity, and ability to score spectacular goals, Di María remains one of the most exciting players to watch. His leadership and experience have been instrumental in guiding the younger players in the squad.

4. David Neres

  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Former Clubs: Ajax, Shakhtar Donetsk.
  • Transfer Fee: €15 million (2022)
    David Neres has been a key player for Benfica since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk. Known for his flair, pace, and ability to create chances, Neres is a constant threat on the wing. His ability to take on defenders and deliver dangerous crosses has made him a fan favorite. Neres’ performances have been crucial to Benfica’s success, and he is expected to play a key role in the 2024/25 season.

5. Arthur Cabral

  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Former Clubs: Fiorentina, Basel.
  • Transfer Fee: €20 million (2023)
    Arthur Cabral joined Benfica with high expectations and has quickly become a key player. Known for his physicality, aerial ability, and clinical finishing, Cabral is a complete striker. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game has added a new dimension to Benfica’s attack. Cabral’s performances have been instrumental in the team’s success, and he is expected to continue delivering in the 2024/25 season.

6. Casper Tengstedt

  • Nationality: Danish
  • Former Clubs: Rosenborg.
  • Transfer Fee: €10 million (2023)
    Casper Tengstedt is a young striker with immense potential. Known for his pace, movement, and ability to finish chances, Tengstedt has shown great promise in his limited appearances. His development is a testament to Benfica’s commitment to nurturing young talent, and he is expected to play a more prominent role in the coming seasons.

Conclusion

The 2024/25 SL Benfica squad is a perfect blend of youth and experience, with a strong emphasis on developing homegrown talent. Each player brings unique qualities to the team, contributing to a cohesive and dynamic unit capable of competing at the highest level. With a mix of seasoned veterans, emerging stars, and promising youngsters, Benfica is well-positioned to achieve success both domestically and in Europe. The club’s commitment to nurturing talent and making shrewd acquisitions ensures that the future remains bright for one of football’s most iconic institutions. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and memorable moments from this exceptional squad.