Who are the best Benfica players of all time? One of Portugal’s most storied football clubs these players have all left a legacy across Europe.
The most decorated club in Primeira Liga history and one that’s always dreaming big, let’s take a look at the ten best Benfica players ever:
10. David Luiz
Before David Luiz transferred to PSG from Chelsea for £50 million in 2014 – a then-world record for a defender – the Brazilian central defender was at Benfica for five seasons refining his craft before big money moves.
A key player in the 2009-10 Primeira Liga and two league cup titles, he quickly built a reputation for his leadership, physicality, work-rate and his confidence as a ball-playing defender.
9. Luisão
Capped 44 times by Brazil, central defender Luisão was rock at the back for 16 seasons, serving as captain for a record 414 matches. A Benfica legend, he could also contribute in attack and scored 26 league goals.
One of the clubs greatest ever leaders, Luisão won 20 major trophies with Benfica including the 2013/14 domestic treble, six Primeira Liga titles, and Europa League runners-up on consecutive occasions.
8. Angel Di María
A 19 year old Angel Di Maria arrived from Argentinian club Rosario Central in 2007 and became one of the best Benfica players ever. After three seasons dazzling down the wing he earned a move to Real Madrid.
In 2023 Di Maria returned for a second spell at Benfica as the 2014 Champions League winner returned to his first European club. The Argentinian played alongside some of the game’s greats while at PSG including Neymar, Messi and Mbappe.
7. Fernando Chalana
Fernando Chalana was an artist with the ball and an absolute weapon down the left flank with his dribbling skills and ball control. Had it not been for injuries he’d no doubt be higher on our list of best Benfica players of all time.
Chalana was Portuguese Footballer of the Year in both 1976 and 1984. Despite the injuries he still managed 225 league games and scored 37 goals through 12 seasons after comingup through the Benfica U17’s and U19’s teams.
6. Nené
Nené is easily one of the best Benfica players in history with the one-club hero playing out his entire 18-season career at the club. In 575 games for the club he scored 371 goals with only José Águas and Eusébio ahead of him for all time goals at Benfica.
The prolific striker headed Portugal’s frontline during the 1970s and 80s, with his technical brilliance and clinical finishing helping Benfica to 10 league titles in additional to being top goal scorer on two occasions, and being crowned Portuguese Footballer of the Year in 1971.
5. Rui Costa
Rui Costa was a genius. A modern legend, Rui Costa was known for his exquisite technique and had an eye for goal from attacking midfield scoring 19 goals for the club across five seasons. It was his vision and playmaking that made him a true icon of European football.
The midfield maestro starred for Benfica across two spells. Costa played the best football of his career during 12 seasons in Italy, spending time at AC Milan and Fiorentina. While at Benfica he guided the club to the 1993-94 Primeira Liga title.
4. Mário Coluna
One of the greatest Portuguese midfielders of all time Mário Coluna dominated across 16 seasons for the club. The Mozambique-born star was known for being calm and respectful, with a long range pass, great vision and exceptional football IQ.
In 525 official games for Benfica, Coluna scored 127 goals with his ferocious long shots catching keepers out. Ten Primeira Liga titles and two European championships with Coluna in midfield shows you just how invaluable he was.
3. José Águas
Legendary striker José Águas made his debut in 1950 and dominated the Portuguese first division on his way to becoming of the best Benfica players to ever grace the pitch. He achieved five league titles, just as many top scorer crowns, and back-to-back European Cups.
Águas was the definition of a poacher and was central to Benfica’s attack and subsequent success. So efficient was the Portuguese star, he scored 291 goals in an impressive 281 league games.
2. Nuno Gomes
Portuguese striker Nuno Gomes was a standout striker for Benfica for 12 seasons with a stint in Serie A in between. Creative, clinical and a high football IQ were his greatest strengths on the pitch.
Gomes scored 125 goals across 293 league games, as well as being a superb link-up player. He helped guide Benfica to two league titles and was also crowned Primeira Liga Player of the Year twice.
1. Eusébio
Born in Mozambique, the 1965 Ballon d’Or winner and two-time runner-up Eusébio is one of the greatest players in history. His incredible speed, ferocious shot and endless ability to score earned him Portuguese national icon status.
The greatest player in Benfica history, Eusébio scored 317 goals in 301 league games at the club. During his 15 years with the club he also won 11 Primeira League titles and the 1962 European Cup final.