SL Benfica is one of the most prestigious and successful football clubs in the world, with a rich history that boasts some of the finest footballing talent ever to step onto the pitch. Throughout the decades, players have come and gone, but only a select few have made an everlasting impact on the club’s legacy.
In this article, we look at the best Benfica players of all time, showcasing the individuals who have defined Benfica’s greatness both domestically and internationally.
10. David Luiz
Before making a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain for £50 million in 2014, a record fee for a defender at the time, David Luiz spent five seasons at Benfica, honing his skills and establishing himself as one of the top central defenders in Europe.
During his time at the club, Luiz played a crucial role in Benfica’s triumphs, including winning the 2009-10 Primeira Liga title and two League Cups. His reputation grew rapidly due to his commanding presence in defense, physicality, relentless work rate, and his composure on the ball as a modern, ball-playing center-back.
9. Luísão
With 44 international caps for Brazil, Luísão was a formidable presence in defense for Benfica over the course of 16 seasons, captaining the side in a record 414 matches. A true icon of the club, he not only excelled at stopping opponents but also contributed offensively, scoring 26 goals in the Primeira Liga.
As one of Benfica’s most influential leaders, Luísão lifted 20 major trophies during his time at the club, including the 2013-14 domestic treble, six Primeira Liga titles, and two Europa League runner-up finishes in consecutive years. His legacy as a stalwart defender and inspirational captain cements his status as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
8. Ángel Di María
At just 19 years old, Ángel Di María made the leap from Argentine side Rosario Central to Benfica in 2007, quickly establishing himself as one of the club’s most electrifying talents. Over three seasons, his dazzling runs down the wing and exceptional dribbling skills earned him a reputation as one of the best Benfica players ever. His time at the club set the stage for a high-profile move to Real Madrid.
In 2023, Di María made a triumphant return to Benfica, coming back to his first European club after a distinguished career that saw him win the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2014. Before returning to Lisbon, Di María had enjoyed a successful stint at Paris Saint-Germain, playing alongside some of football’s biggest names, including Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé. His journey full-circle back to Benfica further solidified his place in the club’s storied history.
7. Fernando Chalana
Fernando Chalana was a true magician with the ball, a maestro on the left flank known for his dazzling dribbling and impeccable ball control. His flair and technical brilliance made him one of the most exciting players to watch, and had it not been for the injuries that plagued his career, he could have been ranked even higher among the best Benfica players of all time.
Chalana’s skill earned him the title of Portuguese Footballer of the Year in both 1976 and 1984. Despite his battles with injury, he made a significant impact, playing 225 league matches and scoring 37 goals across 12 seasons with Benfica. A product of the club’s youth system, having come through the U17 and U19 ranks, Chalana’s contribution to the club remains unforgettable, solidifying his place as one of Benfica’s all-time greats.
6. Nené
Nené, a name synonymous with consistency, is one of the most underrated figures in Benfica’s history. The Brazilian forward played for Benfica between 1983 and 1990, contributing a vital attacking presence with his intelligent runs and clinical finishing. Nené’s versatility allowed him to play across the front line, and his goal-scoring ability made him one of the most reliable players of his era.
Despite not getting as much recognition as some of his peers, his impact on the team and his contributions to the club’s success in the 1980s ensure that Nené ranks among the best Benfica players of all time.
5. Rui Costa
Rui Costa, often referred to as “The Maestro,” is regarded as one of the most skillful players to have ever donned the Benfica shirt. A product of Benfica’s academy, Rui Costa played for the club between 1994 and 2001 before going on to achieve success at clubs like AC Milan.
Known for his exceptional passing, vision, and technical prowess, Rui Costa was the creative force behind many of Benfica’s title-winning teams. His leadership and ability to control matches from midfield were critical to Benfica’s dominance during his time at the club. He remains one of the best Benfica players of all time.
4. Mário Coluna
Mário Coluna is widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders to ever play for Benfica. A key figure in Benfica’s glory years in the 1960s, Coluna’s vision, passing, and tactical intelligence made him the heartbeat of the team.
He was an integral part of the team that won two European Cups (1961 and 1962) and countless domestic titles. Known for his leadership on and off the pitch, Coluna’s influence was unmatched in the midfield. His status as one of the best Benfica players of all time is firmly entrenched in the club’s rich history.
3. José Águas
José Águas was one of the most prolific goal scorers in Benfica’s history. Known for his sharp instinct in front of goal, Águas was a pivotal figure in Benfica’s European Cup-winning teams of the early 1960s.
He played a crucial role in securing back-to-back European Cups in 1961 and 1962, scoring key goals in both campaigns. Águas’ consistency and deadly finishing earned him a place as one of the best Benfica players of all time, leaving a legacy as a clinical striker who could be relied upon in any situation.
2. Nuno Gomes
Nuno Gomes is undeniably one of the most beloved figures in Benfica’s modern history. The Portuguese striker had two successful spells at the club, from 1997 to 2000 and again from 2002 to 2010, during which he scored an impressive 169 goals in 318 appearances. Nuno Gomes was known for his intelligent movement, composed finishing, and ability to perform under pressure.
Whether scoring in crucial matches or helping his teammates, he was central to Benfica’s success during his time at the club. His legacy is cemented, making him one of the best Benfica players of all time.
1. Eusébio
Nuno Gomes was a standout striker for Benfica over 12 seasons, with a brief spell in Serie A in between. Known for his creativity, clinical finishing, and high football IQ, Gomes was a versatile forward who excelled in both scoring goals and linking up play. During his time at Benfica, Gomes netted 125 goals in 293 league appearances, consistently proving to be a reliable source of goals.
His ability to link up with teammates and make intelligent runs in the attacking third was key to the team’s success. Gomes played an instrumental role in securing two Primeira Liga titles for Benfica and was twice named Primeira Liga Player of the Year, further cementing his legacy as one of the best Benfica players of all time.
Conclusion
The history of SL Benfica is rich with talent, and the players listed here represent the pinnacle of that legacy. From Eusébio’s goalscoring brilliance to Nuno Gomes’ clinical finishing and David Luiz’s dynamic defending, these players have shaped Benfica into the club it is today.
Whether through their individual brilliance or their contributions to team success, they have all played pivotal roles in Benfica’s storied history. As the club looks to the future, these legends will continue to serve as the standard for what it means to be a part of one of the greatest football clubs of all time.