Discuss potential Benfica president nominees with Mayer, advising Parreira
Upcoming Elections for Benfica's Presidency Gain Momentum
The race for the presidency of the renowned Portuguese football club, Benfica, is heating up as the elections draw nearer. The pressure on incumbent president Rui Costa has intensified in recent weeks following the club's failure to claim any of the trophies contested with Sporting this season.
Several contenders are stepping up to challenge Rui Costa, as speculation about his potential re-election continues to rise. Currently, four official candidates are publicly vying for the position: João Noronha Lopes, João Diogo Manteigas, Martim Mayer, and Mauro Xavier. Additionally, Paulo Parreira, a well-known Benfica supporter, has expressed his intention to join the race.
João Noronha Lopes, a runner-up in the 2020 elections, aims to re-enter the race to become Benfica's president. A law graduate and CEO of PB Consulting, Lopes is known for his experience in managing internationally recognized companies. He officially announced his candidacy on June 5, with a vision for the club to return to its historical glory. Critical of Rui Costa's leadership, Lopes questionably referred to the recent cup final as a "disgrace."
João Diogo Manteigas, a lawyer, officially announced his candidacy for the elections at the Stadium of Light. At 42, he hopes to ensure the competitive success of Benfica across all modalities, particularly football. Downplaying the comments of Sporting president Frederico Varandas, Manteigas expressed his readiness to lead Benfica with passion and a clear vision for its future.
Martim Mayer, who previously represented Benfica as a tennis player, has put forth his ambition to contribute to the club's election. With a sporting background, Mayer wants to focus on the club’s identity and culture, hoping to help Benfica find its direction and return to its glorious past. Former vice-president Rui Rangel expressed his belief that Mayer intends to serve Benfica, not himself, in contrast to some past leaders.
Sports commentator Mauro Xavier is preparing to enter the presidential race, with a formal announcement expected between the end of July and the beginning of August. Xavier has repeatedly stated that he would only present a candidacy if he believed it could contribute significantly to Benfica's future success.
Paulo Parreira, a well-known Benfica fan, confirmed his candidacy in a podcast earlier this week, criticizing Rui Costa's management of the club and attributing his decision to run mainly to the team's recent defeat in the Portuguese Cup final against Sporting. Parreira expressed confidence in his ability to lead the club and guarantee a more victorious future.
With Marco Galinha's withdrawal from the race, the field for the elections is now more open than ever. As of yet, no clear frontrunner has emerged, making the elections highly competitive and uncertain. The mounting pressure on Rui Costa and the lack of clarity about his re-election intentions leave the future of Benfica's leadership hanging in the balance.
The upcoming elections for Benfica's presidency have drawn attention not only from the club's supporters but also from various European leagues, as the race to lead the renowned Portuguese sports club heats up. Several candidates, including João Noronha Lopes, João Diogo Manteigas, Martim Mayer, Mauro Xavier, and Paulo Parreira, are vying for the position, each with a unique vision for Benfica's future success in football and beyond. The forthcoming elections promise to be a heated contest, as no clear frontrunner has emerged yet.
