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| Benfica in the 1960's |
Portugal
Benfica, Porto, Sporting SP
This is my selection of a 25 member all-time team for the club. The number 25 was chosen because it is the official squad size for the Champions' League.
Benfica's victory at the European Cup in 1961 ended Real Madrid's domination at the tournament. They would reach the Final 4 times in 5 years, winning back-to-back European Cup in 1961 and 1962. However, since the 1962 victory, Benfica is known for its failure at the Finals of both the European Cup and the UEFA Cup. Some people blamed it on the "Bela Guttman's curse". After winning back-to-back European Cup in 1961 and 1962, Coach Bela Guttman asked for a pay rise, but the club refused. Guttman left the club in anger and allegedly cursed the club, declaring "not in a hundred years from now will Benfica ever be European champion." Benfica has not win a single trophy in Europe ever since.
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| Victory over Barcelona in 1961 |
Team
GK: Michel Preud’Homme (Belgium)
Michel Preud’Homme played for Standard Liège, Mechelen, and Benfica. With Mechelen, he won the Belgian Cup in 1987, the Cup Winner's Cup and the European Super Cup in 1988. He was alas a legend with Benfica, earn g the nick name "Saint Michel" there. For the national team, he had 58 caps. He went to the WC in 1994, where he was voted as the best keeper. He also was a team member at Euro 1980 and 1984.
GK: Michel Preud’Homme (Belgium)
Michel Preud’Homme played for Standard Liège, Mechelen, and Benfica. With Mechelen, he won the Belgian Cup in 1987, the Cup Winner's Cup and the European Super Cup in 1988. He was alas a legend with Benfica, earn g the nick name "Saint Michel" there. For the national team, he had 58 caps. He went to the WC in 1994, where he was voted as the best keeper. He also was a team member at Euro 1980 and 1984.
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| Michel Preud’Homme |
GK: Costa Pereira (Portugal)
Costa Pereira is the goalkeeper for both Benfica and Portugal during the golden years in the 1960's. He won two consecutive European Cup with Benfica in 1961 and 1962 and lost two other finals in 1963 and 1965. Costa Pereira played at the World Cup Qualifying rounds for the 1966 World Cup, but was not selected for the Finals. He had 22 caps in total.
RB/DM: Domiciano Cavem (Portugal)
Domiciano Cavem is the starting rightback for Benfica's Golden Generation of the 1960's. He could play as forward, midfielder and fullback. He won two European Cups in the 1960's with Benfica, scoring a goal in the 1962 Final. He had 18 caps between 1956 and 1965, but he was overlooked for the World Cup Finals in 1966. His last cap was in 1965.
RB: Antonio Veloso (Portugal)
Veloso signed with Benfica in 1980, and was ever-present until his retirement, helping them to 7 Primeira Liga and 5 Taça de Portugal trophies. He also played in the UEFA Cup final in 1983 and in the 1988 European Cup final. Suspension left Veloso out of the team that reached the 1990 European Cup final. For Portugal, he played 40 times. He went to the Euro 1984.
CB: Humberto Coelho (Portugal)
Humberto Coelho was Portugal's cap record holder at one point. He was known as the "Beckenbauer of Portugal". He played with Benfica between 1968 and 1975 after making his debut as 18 years old. He played Paris St. Germain between 1975 and 1977. He also played in the United States. He play 64 times for Portugal. He helped Portugal to qualify for the Euro 1984 in France, but he did not go due to an injury. He never appeared in a major tournament.
CB: Ricardo Gomes (Brazil)
Ricardo Gomes started his career with Fluminense at home before joining Benfica in 1988. He would then join Paris St.Germain in 1991. At the international level, he went to play in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where Brazil was known for their defensive tactics. In 1994, he was selected as the captain for USA 1994. However, he was injured at the last minute and did not attend the World Cup Finals.
CB: Luisão (Brazil)
Most of his professional career has been spent with Benfica, for which he has appeared in more than 500 official matches, having won 17 major titles. Luisão is the longest-serving captain in Benfica history. Before moving to Europe, he played for Clube Atlético Juventus and Cruzeiro Esporte Clube. Earned 44 caps. He was on the team for World Cup Finals in 2006 and 2010.
CB: Carlos Mozer (Brazil)
Carlos Mozer started his career with Flamengo in 1980, winning the 1981 Copa Libertadores. In Europe, he played for Benfica on two different spells and went to play with Marseille in between them. With Marseille, he reached the 1990-1991 European Cup Final. He later played in Japan at the end of his career. At the international level, he was capped 32 times between 1983 and 1994. He missed the World Cup Finals in 1986, but went to the one in 1990 with Brazil.
CB/DM: Germano (Portugal)
Germano is probably one pf Portugal's greatest defensive players. He was the captain for both Portugal and Benfica during the 1960's. He played most of his career with Benfica, appearing in 131 official games and winning eight major titles, including two European Cups. He went to the World Cup finals in 1966 as the original captain, but he did not play well and lost his captaincy. He ranked 53rd in UEFA's 50 Greatest Footballers of the Last 50 Years jubilee list.
LB: Alvaro (Portugal)
Alvaro amassed Primeira Liga totals of 224 games and six goals over the course of 11 seasons, mainly with Benfica with which he spent nine seasons, winning ten major titles. At the international level, he had 20 caps between 1981 and 1988. He was Portugal's starting leftback for the 1984 European Championship in France, where Portugal reached the semifinal. He also played in World Cup 1986 in Mexico.
CB: Humberto Coelho (Portugal)
Humberto Coelho was Portugal's cap record holder at one point. He was known as the "Beckenbauer of Portugal". He played with Benfica between 1968 and 1975 after making his debut as 18 years old. He played Paris St. Germain between 1975 and 1977. He also played in the United States. He play 64 times for Portugal. He helped Portugal to qualify for the Euro 1984 in France, but he did not go due to an injury. He never appeared in a major tournament.
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| Humberto Coelho |
Ricardo Gomes started his career with Fluminense at home before joining Benfica in 1988. He would then join Paris St.Germain in 1991. At the international level, he went to play in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where Brazil was known for their defensive tactics. In 1994, he was selected as the captain for USA 1994. However, he was injured at the last minute and did not attend the World Cup Finals.
CB: Luisão (Brazil)
Most of his professional career has been spent with Benfica, for which he has appeared in more than 500 official matches, having won 17 major titles. Luisão is the longest-serving captain in Benfica history. Before moving to Europe, he played for Clube Atlético Juventus and Cruzeiro Esporte Clube. Earned 44 caps. He was on the team for World Cup Finals in 2006 and 2010.
CB: Carlos Mozer (Brazil)
Carlos Mozer started his career with Flamengo in 1980, winning the 1981 Copa Libertadores. In Europe, he played for Benfica on two different spells and went to play with Marseille in between them. With Marseille, he reached the 1990-1991 European Cup Final. He later played in Japan at the end of his career. At the international level, he was capped 32 times between 1983 and 1994. He missed the World Cup Finals in 1986, but went to the one in 1990 with Brazil.
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| Carlos Mozer |
Germano is probably one pf Portugal's greatest defensive players. He was the captain for both Portugal and Benfica during the 1960's. He played most of his career with Benfica, appearing in 131 official games and winning eight major titles, including two European Cups. He went to the World Cup finals in 1966 as the original captain, but he did not play well and lost his captaincy. He ranked 53rd in UEFA's 50 Greatest Footballers of the Last 50 Years jubilee list.
LB: Alvaro (Portugal)
Alvaro amassed Primeira Liga totals of 224 games and six goals over the course of 11 seasons, mainly with Benfica with which he spent nine seasons, winning ten major titles. At the international level, he had 20 caps between 1981 and 1988. He was Portugal's starting leftback for the 1984 European Championship in France, where Portugal reached the semifinal. He also played in World Cup 1986 in Mexico.
LB: Angelo Martins (Portugal)
Angelo Martin made 285 appearances and scored 4 goals, winning 7 Primeira Liga titles, 5 Taça de Portugal, 1 Taça de Honra, and 2 consecutive European Cups (in 1961 and 1962) for Benfica. He retired as a player at age 35. Ângelo played for Portugal on 20 occasions. He made his debut in 1953 against Austria at the Prater Stadium and played his final match for the country in 1962 against Bulgaria at the Estádio do Restelo.
DM/CM: Toni (Portugal)
DM/CM: Toni (Portugal)
Toni played for Benfica between 1968 and 1981. He was part of the legendary Jimmy Hagan-led sides that won back-to-back domestic leagues from 1971–1973, losing only one match in 60. He was named Portuguese Footballer of the Year in 1972. Toni earned 32 caps for Portugal between 1968 and 1978. He represented Brazil in the Brazil Independence Cup in 1972.
CM: Shéu Han (Portugal)
Born in Portuguese Mozambique, Shéu played his entire career for Benfica between 1972 to 1989. He was an important member in the conquest of nine Primeira Liga championships and six domestic cups, captaining the team from 1987 to 1988. In 1983, he scored a goal in the Final of the 1983 UEFA Cup. He also played in the 1987-1988 European Cup Final. He was capped 24 times for Portugal between 1976 and 1986.
Born in Portuguese Mozambique, Shéu played his entire career for Benfica between 1972 to 1989. He was an important member in the conquest of nine Primeira Liga championships and six domestic cups, captaining the team from 1987 to 1988. In 1983, he scored a goal in the Final of the 1983 UEFA Cup. He also played in the 1987-1988 European Cup Final. He was capped 24 times for Portugal between 1976 and 1986.
CM: Mario Coluna (Portugal)
Squad Explanation
-- The original team was created in August, 2016. I redid in April, 2025. I made many changes.
-- Portugal won the European Championship in 2016. Benfica was underrepresented at the tournament. Only two players, Renato Sanches and Eliseu from the Euro 2016 winning team were playing for Benfica at the time. They have four ex-Benfica players, namely Andre Gomes, Rafa Silva, Eduardo and Jose Fonte, but Eduardo and Jose Fonte barely played for the club when they were here. None of Benfica's player were considered for this all-time team.
-- The "Plantel Glorioso" selected Angelo Martins and Fábio Coentrão as their leftbacks. Angelo Martins was an obvious choice for the position. Fabio Coentrão's career here, however, was short. He was named the Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2009-2010 season, but he transferred to Real Madrid in 2011. I also looked into Fernando Cruz who was the leftback for the Golden Generation in the 1960's. Instead of them, I took Alvaro who played 9 seasons with the club. I considered him one of Portugal's greatest leftbacks. In 2016, I actually used Stefan Schwarz as a backup leftback.
-- Nuno Gomes was the Primeira Liga Player of the Year for the 1998–99, 1999–2000 season. I also looked into João Pinto.But it was hard to break into this team.
Mario Coluna is one of the greatest player ever for both Portugal and Benfica. He spent most of his career with Benfica, appearing in 525 official games and scoring 127 goals during 16 professional seasons. He was dubbed Monstro Sagrado (Sacred Monster). He won 19 major titles with his main club, including ten national leagues. He won two European Cup with Benfica in 1961 and 1962. He was the captain of Portugal in the 1966 World Cup. He was known to be Eusebio's greatest footballing partner and friend.
AM: Pablo Aimar (Argentina)
Aimar started his senior career at River Plate in 1996. From 2001 to 2006, he starred for Valencia, helping the club to reach the 2001 Champions' League. Then, he played Real Zaragoza for two seasons before joining Benfica. He played for them between 2008 and 2013. For Argentina, he earned 52 caps. He represented Argentina at the 1999 and 2007 editions of the Copa América, at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, and at the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup.
AM: Rui Costa (Portugal)
Rui Costa was one of the best players in the 1990's Portugal's Golden Generation. He was a part of the team that won the 1991 U-20 World Cup. He starred for Benfica, Florentina and AC Milan. He won a Champions' League title with AC Milan in the 2003-2004 season. He earned 94 caps fpr Portugal. He represented the country in three UEFA European Championships and one FIFA World Cup. He led Portugal to the Final of European Championship at home, scoring a screamer against England.
RW: Jose Augusto (Portugal)
Jose Augusto was a part of Benfica and Portugal's Golden Generation in the 1960s. He served as the right winger playing with Esuebio, Mario Coluna, etc. He started with Barreirense. He spent most of his career with Benfica where he won two European Cup titles and reached 3 other Finals in the 1960's. He won 13 titles over there. He earned 45 caps between 1958 and 1968. He starred at the World Cup Finals 1966 with Portugal.
AM/RM/CM: Jaime Graca (Portugal)
Jaime Graca started his career with Vitoria FC before moving to Benfica in 1966. He won 7 league titles with Benfica. Against Manchester United at the European Cup in 1968, he scored the equaliser that sent the Final into extra-time. He was capped 36 times for Portugal. He played every single match at the World Cup in 1966.
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| Mario Coluna |
Aimar started his senior career at River Plate in 1996. From 2001 to 2006, he starred for Valencia, helping the club to reach the 2001 Champions' League. Then, he played Real Zaragoza for two seasons before joining Benfica. He played for them between 2008 and 2013. For Argentina, he earned 52 caps. He represented Argentina at the 1999 and 2007 editions of the Copa América, at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, and at the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup.
AM: Rui Costa (Portugal)
Rui Costa was one of the best players in the 1990's Portugal's Golden Generation. He was a part of the team that won the 1991 U-20 World Cup. He starred for Benfica, Florentina and AC Milan. He won a Champions' League title with AC Milan in the 2003-2004 season. He earned 94 caps fpr Portugal. He represented the country in three UEFA European Championships and one FIFA World Cup. He led Portugal to the Final of European Championship at home, scoring a screamer against England.
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| Rui Costa |
Jose Augusto was a part of Benfica and Portugal's Golden Generation in the 1960s. He served as the right winger playing with Esuebio, Mario Coluna, etc. He started with Barreirense. He spent most of his career with Benfica where he won two European Cup titles and reached 3 other Finals in the 1960's. He won 13 titles over there. He earned 45 caps between 1958 and 1968. He starred at the World Cup Finals 1966 with Portugal.
AM/RM/CM: Jaime Graca (Portugal)
Jaime Graca started his career with Vitoria FC before moving to Benfica in 1966. He won 7 league titles with Benfica. Against Manchester United at the European Cup in 1968, he scored the equaliser that sent the Final into extra-time. He was capped 36 times for Portugal. He played every single match at the World Cup in 1966.
LW: Antonio Simoes (Portugal)
Antonio Simoes was a part of Benfica's famous squad of the 1960's. He started to make an impact as a teenager. He was the youngest player ever to win an European Cup in 1962. He would win 10 league title with Benfica before moving to play in NASL. He played 46 times for Portugal. He went to the World Cup Finals in 1966, where he scored against Brazil in that famous match.
LW: Fernando Chalana (Portugal)
Fernando Chalana was a star of Benfica during the late 1970's. He is the club's youngest ever goal scorer. He gained international flame at European Championship in 1984, especially during the epic match against the host France in the semi-final. He set up two goals on that match. After the tournament, he moved to Bordeaux in France, but his career there was limited by injuries. He returned to Benfica in 1987, but he never regained his form.
CF: Jose Augusto Torres (Portugal)
Jose Augusto Torres was one of Portugal's greatest players and a key member of the glorious Benfica's team of the 1960's. He played for them between 1959 and 1971, but he did not play on the winning team in 1961 and 1962. He played for them in three other losing Finals in the 1960's. He was also a part of Portugal's team at the World Cup in 1966.
ST: Nene (Portugal)
Nene played his entire career with Benfica. He won 11 league titles between 1968 and 1986. He was the Portuguese Player of the Year in 1971. For the national team, he had 66 caps, which was a record for Portugal at the time. He played on the team, where Portugal reached the semi-final of the Euro 1984 at the age of 34. He was the oldest ever goal scorer at the tournament at that time.
ST: Jose Aguas (Portugal)
Jose Aguas played for Benfica between 1950 and 1963. He was a senior member of the Golden Generation in the 1960s. He was the hero of Benfica's European Cup title in 1961 and 1962, captaining both teams while scoring the first goal at each Final. He did not play in the 1963 Final against AC Milan. He left Benfica in 1963 and joined Austria Vienna. From 1952 to 1962, he was capped 25 times.
ST: Eusebio (Portugal)
Eusebio is probably Portugal's greatest player. Along with Pele, he was considered to be the best player in the world during the 1960's. He helped Portugal reach third place at the 1966 World Cup, being the top goalscorer of the tournament with nine goals (including four in one match against North Korea) and received the Bronze Ball award. He won the Ballon d'Or award for European footballer of the year in 1965. He played for Benfica 15 out of his 22 years as a footballer. He won the European Cup in 1961.
Honorable Mention
Ederson (Brazil), Jan Oblak (Slovenia), Robert Enke (Germany), Júlio César (Brazil), José Henrique (Portugal) Silvino Louro (Portugal), Quim (Portugal), Raul Machado (Portugal), Félix "Pantufas" Antunes (Portugal), Gustavo Teixeira (Portugal), Aldair (Brazil), António Bastos Lopes, Carlos Gamarra (Paraguay), Carlos Marchena (Spain), David Luiz, Rúben Dias, Hélder Cristóvão (Portugal), Artur Santos (Portugal), Eurico Gomes (Portugal), Antonio Veloso (Portugal), Miguel (Portugal), Stefan Schwarz (Sweden), Zeca (Portugal), Ljubomir Fejsa (Serbia), Nemanja Matić(Serbia), Jonas Thern (Sweden), Albino (Portugal), Rogerio Pipi (Portugal), Vitor Baptista (Portugal), Angel Di Maria (Argentina), Guilherme Espírito Santo (Portugal), Angelo Martins (Portugal), Diamantino (Portugal), Carlos Manuel (Portugal), Vítor Paneira (Portugal), José Luís (Portugal), Karel Poborský (Portugal), Valdo (Brazil), Tiago (Portugal), Simão Sabrosa (Portugal), Diamantino Miranda (Portugal), Francisco Ferreira (Portugal) Carlos Manuel (portugal), Vitor Paneira (Portugal), Dimas Teixeira (Portugal), Espirito Santo (Portugal), Jonas (Brazil), Oscar Cardozo (Paraguay), Arsénio (Portugal), Joao Pinto (Portugal), Mats Magnusson (Sweden), Nuno Gomes (Portugal).
Antonio Simoes was a part of Benfica's famous squad of the 1960's. He started to make an impact as a teenager. He was the youngest player ever to win an European Cup in 1962. He would win 10 league title with Benfica before moving to play in NASL. He played 46 times for Portugal. He went to the World Cup Finals in 1966, where he scored against Brazil in that famous match.
LW: Fernando Chalana (Portugal)
Fernando Chalana was a star of Benfica during the late 1970's. He is the club's youngest ever goal scorer. He gained international flame at European Championship in 1984, especially during the epic match against the host France in the semi-final. He set up two goals on that match. After the tournament, he moved to Bordeaux in France, but his career there was limited by injuries. He returned to Benfica in 1987, but he never regained his form.
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| Fernando Chalana |
Jose Augusto Torres was one of Portugal's greatest players and a key member of the glorious Benfica's team of the 1960's. He played for them between 1959 and 1971, but he did not play on the winning team in 1961 and 1962. He played for them in three other losing Finals in the 1960's. He was also a part of Portugal's team at the World Cup in 1966.
ST: Nene (Portugal)
Nene played his entire career with Benfica. He won 11 league titles between 1968 and 1986. He was the Portuguese Player of the Year in 1971. For the national team, he had 66 caps, which was a record for Portugal at the time. He played on the team, where Portugal reached the semi-final of the Euro 1984 at the age of 34. He was the oldest ever goal scorer at the tournament at that time.
ST: Jose Aguas (Portugal)
Jose Aguas played for Benfica between 1950 and 1963. He was a senior member of the Golden Generation in the 1960s. He was the hero of Benfica's European Cup title in 1961 and 1962, captaining both teams while scoring the first goal at each Final. He did not play in the 1963 Final against AC Milan. He left Benfica in 1963 and joined Austria Vienna. From 1952 to 1962, he was capped 25 times.
ST: Eusebio (Portugal)
Eusebio is probably Portugal's greatest player. Along with Pele, he was considered to be the best player in the world during the 1960's. He helped Portugal reach third place at the 1966 World Cup, being the top goalscorer of the tournament with nine goals (including four in one match against North Korea) and received the Bronze Ball award. He won the Ballon d'Or award for European footballer of the year in 1965. He played for Benfica 15 out of his 22 years as a footballer. He won the European Cup in 1961.
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| Eusebio |
Ederson (Brazil), Jan Oblak (Slovenia), Robert Enke (Germany), Júlio César (Brazil), José Henrique (Portugal) Silvino Louro (Portugal), Quim (Portugal), Raul Machado (Portugal), Félix "Pantufas" Antunes (Portugal), Gustavo Teixeira (Portugal), Aldair (Brazil), António Bastos Lopes, Carlos Gamarra (Paraguay), Carlos Marchena (Spain), David Luiz, Rúben Dias, Hélder Cristóvão (Portugal), Artur Santos (Portugal), Eurico Gomes (Portugal), Antonio Veloso (Portugal), Miguel (Portugal), Stefan Schwarz (Sweden), Zeca (Portugal), Ljubomir Fejsa (Serbia), Nemanja Matić(Serbia), Jonas Thern (Sweden), Albino (Portugal), Rogerio Pipi (Portugal), Vitor Baptista (Portugal), Angel Di Maria (Argentina), Guilherme Espírito Santo (Portugal), Angelo Martins (Portugal), Diamantino (Portugal), Carlos Manuel (Portugal), Vítor Paneira (Portugal), José Luís (Portugal), Karel Poborský (Portugal), Valdo (Brazil), Tiago (Portugal), Simão Sabrosa (Portugal), Diamantino Miranda (Portugal), Francisco Ferreira (Portugal) Carlos Manuel (portugal), Vitor Paneira (Portugal), Dimas Teixeira (Portugal), Espirito Santo (Portugal), Jonas (Brazil), Oscar Cardozo (Paraguay), Arsénio (Portugal), Joao Pinto (Portugal), Mats Magnusson (Sweden), Nuno Gomes (Portugal).
Squad Explanation
-- The original team was created in August, 2016. I redid in April, 2025. I made many changes.
-- Eusebio and Mario Coluna are probably automatic selections. They do not need introduction. Rui Costa and Germano deserved a place on the list.
-- Eusenio, Mario Coluna, Germano, Rui Costa, Costa Pereira, Humberto Coelho, Alvaro, Paulo Sousa, Jose Augusto and Jose Aguas are on my All-Time Portugal team.
-- Obviously, this all-time team should be dominated by Benfica's Golden Generation in the 1960's. They took over from Real Madrid as the dominant team in Europe. I selected 7 of them from that era: Esuebio, Mario Coluna, Germano, Jose Augusto, Antonio Simoes, Jose Augusto Torres, Costa Pereira, Jose Aguas and Domiciano Cavem. I think that there should be more than seven players.
-- Eusenio, Mario Coluna, Germano, Rui Costa, Costa Pereira, Humberto Coelho, Alvaro, Paulo Sousa, Jose Augusto and Jose Aguas are on my All-Time Portugal team.
-- Obviously, this all-time team should be dominated by Benfica's Golden Generation in the 1960's. They took over from Real Madrid as the dominant team in Europe. I selected 7 of them from that era: Esuebio, Mario Coluna, Germano, Jose Augusto, Antonio Simoes, Jose Augusto Torres, Costa Pereira, Jose Aguas and Domiciano Cavem. I think that there should be more than seven players.
-- Portugal was also known for its Golden Generation between 1994 and 2006. Their youth national team won two Under 20 World Cup: 1989 and 1991. Paulo Sousa and Rui Costa were the only players who won one of the World Youth Cups selected onto my all-time team. Nuno Gomes later played with them on the senior national team, but he is younger than the class of 1989 and 1991. Abel Xavier and Joao Pinto were ex-Benfica players from that generation, but I did not select them into my all-time team.
-- In 2023, the "Wall of Champions" was created at the Estádio da Luz for the 20th anniversary of the stadium. It was a collection of 20 greatest Benfica players for the first 20 years of the stadium. They were Jan Oblak, Ederson, André Almeida, Nélson Semedo, Luisão, Ezequiel Garay, Rúben Dias, Nicolas Otamendi, Alejandro Grimaldo, Rui Costa, Pablo Aimar, Angel Di María, Eduardo Salvio, Nicolas Gaitán, Rafa Silva, Nuno Gomes, Óscar Cardozo, Jonas and João Félix. However, Rui Costa and Numo Gomes were the only players chosen for this team.
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| Pablo Aimar |
-- I based many of my all-time club teams on their trophy winning teams. Benfica has won too many league titles, but their European record is disappointing after the 1960's. Many people believed in the "curse of Béla Guttmann". Since their last European Cup victory in 1962, Benfica has lost 8 straight finals in various UEFA major tournaments. Some of those losses altered the status of this team.
-- In November 2014, the book "Plantel Glorioso" authored by renowned Benfica historians João Tomaz and Fernando Arrobas, was published. It featured a pre-selection of 99 players and 12 coaches, which was then presented for voting to 100 distinguished club fans. This collaborative effort led to the formation of an illustrious squad comprising 26 players. The selected players (ranked by votes received): Goalkeepers: Manuel Bento, Michel Preud'homme, Costa Pereira; Full-backs: Antonio Veloso, Artur Correia, Angelo Martins, Fábio Coentrão Centre-backs: Humberto Coelho, Carlos Mozer, Ricardo Gomes, Germano, Luisão; Midfielders: Mario Coluna, Rui Costa, Valdo, Toni, Shéu Han; Wingers: Chalana, José Augusto, Simões, Diamantino; Forwards: Eusébio, Nené, José Águas, João Pinto, José Torres.
-- In 2016, the book "Mágicos", written by historians Mafalda Esturrenho and Ana Saraiva Rosa, showcases ten of the greatest players in the history of Benfica. The 10 players featured were Eusébio, Mario Coluna, Jaime Graça, Vítor Martins, João Alves, Carlos Manuel, Diamantino and Rui Costa, Valdo and Pablo Aimar.
Goalkeepers
-- I chose the three goalkeepers before I came across "Plantel Glorioso". The three of them were likely to be undisputed. Michel Preud'Homme was considered the best goalkeeper in the world when he was playing for Benfica. Manuel Bento is the Portugal Goalkeeper of the Year for 8 times. He played nearly 20 years for Benfica, appearing in 630 appearances. He was Portuguese Footballer of the Year in 1977. Between 1954 and 1967, over the course of 13 seasons, Costa Pereira represented Benfica on 357 occasions, winning two European Cups, eight league titles and five Portuguese Cups.
-- Ederson and Jan Oblak made a name hero here before moving to Manchester City and Atletico Madrid respectively. Enke made the fans to forget about Preud'Homme, which was a tough act to follow. Júlio César came at the end of his career. Two of his four seasons were very good. José Henrique was Benfica's goalkeeper for 13 seasons between 1966 and 1979, but from 1973 onwards he alternated the starting position with Bento. Silvino Louro captained the team as they reached the Final of the European Cup. They were the other great goalkeepers for the club.
-- Ederson and Jan Oblak made a name hero here before moving to Manchester City and Atletico Madrid respectively. Enke made the fans to forget about Preud'Homme, which was a tough act to follow. Júlio César came at the end of his career. Two of his four seasons were very good. José Henrique was Benfica's goalkeeper for 13 seasons between 1966 and 1979, but from 1973 onwards he alternated the starting position with Bento. Silvino Louro captained the team as they reached the Final of the European Cup. They were the other great goalkeepers for the club.
Defenders
-- Antonio Veloso spent 15 seasons with Benfica. His name was constantly ranked as Benfica's greatest rightback ahead of Domiciano Cavem and Artur, two of Portugal's greatest rightbacks. Domiciano Cavem initially played as a left winger, then as a midfielder, and finally as a right back. He was a two-time European champion with Benfica, in 1961 and 1962. I took him ahead of Artur. Miguel Monteiro also spent 5 seasons with Benfica.
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| Antonio Veloso |
-- I identified five central defenders as Benfica's greatest of all-time. They were Humberto Coelho, Germano, Luisão, Ricardo Gomez and Carlos Mozer. I could not drop any of them so I decided to select 5 central defenders.
-- Humberto Coelho was considered Portugal's greatest central defender. He was known as "Beckenbauer" of Portugal. Germano ranked 53rd in UEFA's 50 Greatest Footballers of the Last 50 Years jubilee list. Luisão has won more titles here than anyone in history. For 15 years, he was the true boss of the defence with Benfica. He captained Benfica into back-to-back Europa League Final in 2013 and 2014. The names of Carlos Mozer and Ricardo Gomes must go together. The duo went down in the history of the club and of Portuguese football itself as one of the most successful ever. In the 1988-1989 season, they formed a solid defence with just 15 goals conceded in 38 matches. Ricardo Gomes would be a more famous player if he went to the 1994 World Cup Finals. He was due to captain Brazil, but he missed the World Cup Finals through an injury.
-- In the 1930's. Gustavo Teixeira was a star with the club. Félix Antunes played 10 seasons for the club between 1944 and 1954. He was so important during his time with the club that the team was sometimes known as "SL & Felix". However, both Gustavo Teixiera and Felix seemed to be forgotten by the younger generation. The other notable central defenders included Aldair, António Bastos Lopes, Carlos Gamarra, Carlos Marchena, David Luiz, Rúben Dias, Hélder Cristóvão and Artur Santos. Eurico Gomes won the league titles with all three of the Big Three (Os Três Grandes).
Midfielders/Wingers
-- Toni is the only person in Benfica's history who has achieved the feat of becoming a league champion as a player and later as a coach at Benfica. He wore the Eagles' jersey 393 times and won eight national championships, five Portuguese Cups and one Super Cup. Sheu Han was almost one club player. I overlooked him in 2016, but I added him in 2025. Domiciano Cavem and Germano could also operate as a defensive midfielder. So, I left off Abino and Paulo Sousa. Paulo Sousa was a famous midfielder, but he was better known for his stints in Juventus and Borussia Dortmund. Toni and Sheu was more iconic in Benfica. Two Serbian defensive midfielders, Ljubomir Fejsa and Nemanja Matić, along with two Swedish midfielders, Jonas Thern and Stefan Schwarz, were also taken into consideration. Schwarz was actually named as the 21st greatest player for this club in one of the lists I found. They also played with each other for the Swedish national team and Malmo. They were partially coached by Sven-Goran Eriksson in Benfica.
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| Shéu |
-- Francisco Ferreira who was a defensive/central midfielder was a legend in the 1940's. He seemed to be a good choice for the team. However, he was not a member of the "Plantel Glorioso" team while Toni, Sheu Han and Mario Coluna were on that team. Perhaps, he was forgotten by the younger generation.
-- The tragic Superga air disaster occurred after Torino was invited to Lisbon to play a friendly match in honor of Francisco Ferreira, the captain of Benfica and a close friend of Torino’s president, Ferruccio Novo. On their return to Italy, the plane carrying the team crashed, claiming the lives of the entire active Torino squad. The disaster deeply affected Ferreira, who was heartbroken by the loss and carried the pain with him for the rest of his life.
-- Mario Coluna needed no introduction. He is probably the second most important player in the history of the club after Eusebio.
-- Rui Costa did not win much for Benfica. He spent his prime outside of the club. However, he was a home-grown player. I am sure most of the Benfica fans want him to be on this team. Instead, I studied the careers of Pablo Aimar, Valdo and Simao Sabrosa to be Rui Costa's backup as well as that of Jaime Graca.
-- A list put Simão Sabrosa as the 11th greatest player for Benfica just ahead of Germano, but his name was not mentioned as much as the others. Pablo Aimar seemed to have been mentioned more frequently.
-- The wing or wide position was loaded with talents. Guilherme Espírito Santo, who represented the club from 1936 to 1950, certainly has a strong case for inclusion. Other notable names include Diamantino, Carlos Manuel, Vítor Paneira, Angel Di Maria, José Luís, and Karel Poborský. Of course, the position was truly owned by José Augusto — a key figure in Benfica’s Golden Generation of the 1960s. Ultimately, I chose Jaime Graça. He arrived after the prime of the Golden Generation, but he briefly played with them. A creative midfielder capable of playing on the right, he was a standout performer for Portugal during the 1966 World Cup and later played a pivotal role in helping Benfica reach the 1968 European Cup Final.
-- The older Benfica fans might have rated Rogerio Pipi higher than Antonio Simoes and Fernando Chalana. However, due to playing for the Golden Generation, Antonio Simoes was often considered one of the greatest left wingers in the history before the 1970's. Meanwhile, Fernando Chalana was the hero of Portugal's run in the Euro 1984. Because of both Simoes and Chalana's exposure in the bigger stage, they were more famous wingers outside Benfica. So, I took them over Rogerio Pipi.
-- Domiciano Cavém also played as a left winger.
Forwards
-- Eusebio needed no introduction. He is Benfica's all-time top scorer, scoring almost 500 goals in his entire career, with an average of more than one goal per game. I also decided to include his attacking partners from Benfica's legendary attacking unit. As mentioned above, I already included Jose Augusto, António Simões and Mario Coluna. Over here, I included Jose Aguas and Jose Torres. They were second and third all-time leading scorer for the Eagles respectively.
-- José Águas, famously nicknamed "Cabeça de Ouro" ("Golden Head") for his exceptional heading ability, was the star of Benfica before Eusébio's rise to prominence. He shared the pitch with Eusébio for a time, until he was eventually replaced by José Torres, who would then form a striking partnership with the legendary forward.
-- José Torres, whose full name was José Augusto Costa Sénica Torres, was affectionately known at Benfica as "O Bom Gigante" ("The Good Giant"). It's easy to confuse him with José Augusto, another notable player from that era, due to the similarity in their names.
-- Nene has the appearance recorder with the club. He is also the third all-time leading scorer. He is probably Benfica's second greatest forward after Eusebio.
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| Nene |
-- Mats Magnusson played in both 1988 and 1990 European Cup Finals. His status within the club might be different if he lifted at least one of the cups. Sweden also had a poor World Cup Finals in which affected his reputation. He suffered a serious injury in the Finals and that also affected his club career here. He only made honourable mention.
-- Oscar Cardozo is the highest scoring foreign player for the club, but his status was limited by not winning a big trophy in Europe. He played in both 2013 and 2014 Europa Cup Finals. He also only made honourable mention.
Formation
I also started a frontline consisted entirely from the 1960's. I wanted a team with a better mix. So I used Fernando Chalana, instead of Antonio Simoes. I also switched to 4-3-3 so that Rui Costa started in the place of Aguas. Rui Costa probably played his best football elsewhere, but his connection to Benfica earned me a starting spot.
Antonio Veloso???
ReplyDeleteI agree with the starting line-up,only 1 change,aguas instead of mozer.i am portuguese and benfica fan.
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteMy slb eleven.bento,artur correia,germano,coelho,Álvaro magalhaes,thern,coluna,valdo,chalana,José augusto,eusebio.
ReplyDelete