Vieira kicks off election bid with fierce attacks on Rui Costa, singling out Benfica's 'Pentagon' as a target
Luis Filipe Vieira, one of six candidates for the Benfica election in 2025-2029, has outlined his vision for the club's future. If elected, Vieira plans to guide Benfica towards new heights, including a potential football pentachampionship and expanded investments in women's football.
Vieira, who served as the president of Benfica from October 2003 to June 2021, has expressed his intention to invest heavily in women's football. He aims to improve the women's football department by increasing investment, enhancing training facilities, and promoting greater visibility and support for the women's team at Benfica.
In addition, Vieira proposed constructing a college for athletes and a hotel with 120 rooms on a 42-hectare plot. The hotel, primarily intended for parents and families, will be located in Seixal for easier access to weekend football games. This move is aimed at strengthening the focus on football formation with these new facilities.
If realized, Vieira's new projects would require at least 50% of the athletes to come from Benfica's youth academy. This commitment to homegrown talent reflects Vieira's dedication to nurturing the club's future stars.
Vieira has not shied away from criticizing the current presidency of Rui Costa in the last four years. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the club's current situation, describing Benfica as 'stuck in the mud' and 'adrift.' He also mentioned the alleged failure to pay the second installment of the transfer of the player Richard Ríos.
Despite these criticisms, Vieira has shown a willingness to work with José Mourinho as coach, should he return to lead Benfica. This potential partnership could be a significant boost for the club, given Mourinho's successful track record in Portuguese football.
The elections are scheduled for October 25, 2025. This marks the first mention of João Diogo Manteigas, Cristovão Carvalho, and Martim Mayer as candidates for the Benfica election. Alongside Vieira and Rui Costa, the other candidates are João Noronha Lopes and Martim Mayer.
Vieira has not been shy about expressing his surprise that some members of the current board are 'complicit in the situation' Benfica is experiencing. He has set a clear goal for himself: to achieve a football pentachampionship for Benfica, should he be elected.
With his extensive experience and clear vision for the club's future, Luis Filipe Vieira is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming Benfica election. As the campaign heats up, fans and supporters will be eagerly awaiting the results.
