Benfica Lisbon: the 10 best footballers in history

Benfica Lisbon is not just a legendary club in Portugal, it is a true institution of European football. Since its foundation in 1904, the L’Aquila club has trained and welcomed legends whose talent has forever marked the history of football. You will understand why Benfica is much more than a club, it is a symbol of passion, elegance and loyalty to an offensive and noble style of play.

Summary of the article

Benfica has seen absolute icons such as Eusébio, Coluna and Rui Costa, who have shaped its identity. Others, more recent, such as Ángel Di María or João Félix, have been able to perpetuate the heritage with modernity and brilliance. In this ranking I present to you the ten most emblematic players in the history of Benfica Lisbon, including European glory, extraordinary technique and eternal dedication to the red shirt.

1. Eusebius

No name is more closely linked to Benfica than that ofEusebio da Silva Ferreira. Born in Mozambique, he has become the absolute figure of the club. His explosiveness, his devastating shot and his sense of goal marked the 1960s.

With over 470 goals for Benfica, he led the club to victory in the 1962 European Cup and numerous national titles. Eusébio was the pride of the people of Lisbon, a living legend who embodied the greatness of Portuguese football.

2. Mario Coluna

The “Sacred Monster” of the midfield. Mario Colonna it symbolized elegance, power and tactical rigor. He was the captain of Benfica in its golden period and a true guide for Eusébio.

Coluna dominated the match with his authority and vision, combining intelligence and efficiency. With more than 500 matches in the red shirt, he remains a pillar of Portuguese football.

3. Rui Costa

The “Master”. Trained at Benfica, Rui Costa amazed with his fluid technique and playing intelligence. Then leaving for Fiorentina and Milan, he returned to finish his career at the club of his heart.

Rui Costa represented the romanticism of football: a pure, elegant attacking midfielder, a lover of beautiful gestures. His return in 2006 was a strong symbol of loyalty and passion.

4. José Águas

Before Eusébio, there was Jose Águasthe captain of the great European conquests of the early 1960s. A true centre-forward, he scored more than 370 goals for Benfica.

Under his leadership, the club won two consecutive European Cups, in 1961 and 1962. His charisma and consistency made him an early hero.

5. Angelo Di Maria

Angelo Di Maria embodies the finesse and creativity of the South American school. Having arrived in Lisbon at a very young age, he established himself as an elusive winger, capable of destabilizing any defence.

His time at Benfica launched his international career, before Real Madrid and PSG. Even returning in 2023, he proved that the bond between him and the club remained unshakable.

6. Nene

Tamagnini Manuel Gomes Batistasays Nené, he is one of the greatest scorers in Benfica’s history. For 18 seasons, he delivered high-level performances with consistency and humility.

He holds the record for the most games played for the club and remains a benchmark for longevity and loyalty. His quiet effectiveness was often underestimated, but his contribution was immense.

7. Simão Sabrosa

Simon he symbolized the rebirth of Benfica in the 2000s. An exemplary captain, leader of men and exceptional coach, he was able to restore the aura of the club after more difficult years.

His magical right foot, his free kicks and his leadership temperament have left their mark on an entire generation of fans.

8. João Félix

João Felix represents the new wave of Portuguese football. Trained at Benfica, he exploded in his first season, dazzling with his technical ease and intelligence of movement.

Transferred to Atlético Madrid for a record fee, he embodies the success of the Lisbon team and the future of Portuguese football.

9. Humberto Coelho

A real defensive wall, Humberto Coelho he was one of the most respected central defenders of his era. His positioning, direction and leadership have solidified the Benfiquist defense for more than a decade.

Fan of the national team, then became coach, always faithful to the philosophy of the beautiful game dear to the club.

10. Oscar Cardozo

The Paraguayan giant Oscar Cardozo he left a lasting impression. With his 172 goals he is one of the club’s best foreign scorers.

His sense of goal, his power and his ability to score in big events made him a figure adored by the public. Despite a style sometimes considered rigid, he was always present in decisive moments.

Conclusion

Benfica Lisbon is a story of passion, legends and loyalty to a footballing ideal. These ten players, each in their own way, helped build a unique legacy. From eternal icons like Eusébio to modern talents like Félix, they share the same flame: that of a club that never stops dreaming big, while remaining deeply connected to its Lisbon soul.