Martim Mayer alleges Luís Filipe Vieira erroneously regards Benfica as personal property.
Luís Filipe Vieira, the former president of Portuguese football giants Sport Lisboa e Benfica, has announced his intention to run for the club's presidency once again, six years after his departure. This announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions, particularly from Martim Mayer, one of the other candidates vying for the position.
Vieira's presidency at Benfica spanned from 2003 to 2021, a period marked by significant decisions and achievements. Among these was the hiring of legendary coach Giovanni Trapattoni in 2004, aimed at ending a long league title drought. Under Vieira's leadership, Benfica experienced domestic success, including winning the 2017 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira and maintaining strong league performances, with multiple runner-up finishes and a stretch of four consecutive Primeira Liga titles prior to the 2017–18 season. However, the club struggled in European competitions.
Vieira's tenure ended amidst legal issues and investigations that led to his stepping down in July 2021. Following his departure, former Benfica and AC Milan midfielder Rui Costa assumed interim presidency on July 9, 2021, later becoming the 34th president officially in October 2021.
Despite stepping down, Vieira has remained a public figure connected to Benfica. Reports as recent as August 2025 indicate he expressed intent to run again for the presidency. However, his legal difficulties have led to a leadership transition and continuing political rivalry within Benfica, as evidenced by the 2025 presidential candidate lineup, which includes Vieira and Rui Costa among others.
Martim Mayer, one of the candidates, has expressed reservations about Vieira's candidacy, citing ongoing legal processes related to his previous tenure. Mayer accused Vieira of confusing Benfica with private property, a claim that Vieira has not explicitly addressed.
The elections for Benfica's social bodies are scheduled for October 25. With six candidates vying for the presidency, including Vieira, Mayer, Rui Costa, João Diogo Manteigas, Cristóvão Carvalho, and João Noronha Lopes, the race is expected to be intense and heated.
The ongoing legal investigations surrounding Vieira's tenure and his subsequent candidacy for the Benfica presidency have created a tense atmosphere within the club. As the election date approaches, the future of Benfica remains uncertain, with supporters eagerly awaiting the outcome.
[1] "Luís Filipe Vieira: From Benfica President to Controversial Candidate." Football Portugal, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://footballportugal.com/luis-filipe-vieira-from-benfica-president-to-controversial-candidate/
[2] "Rui Costa Takes Over as Benfica President After Vieira's Resignation." ESPN, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.espn.com/soccer/portugal-liga/story/4488468/rui-costa-takes-over-as-benfica-president-after-vieiras-resignation
[3] "Vieira Expresses Intent to Run for Benfica Presidency Again." Benfica Daily, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://benficadaily.com/vieira-expresses-intent-to-run-for-benfica-presidency-again/
[4] "Rui Costa Officially Confirmed as Benfica President." Benfica Official Website, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.slbenfica.pt/en/news/rui-costa-officially-confirmed-as-benfica-president
[5] "2025 Benfica Presidential Elections: A Look at the Candidates." Portugal Football News, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://portugalfootballnews.com/2025-benfica-presidential-elections-a-look-at-the-candidates/
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