OFFICIAL: Rui Costa reelected President of Benfica

Benfica announce that Rui Costa reelected President of Benfica.

Club Statement:

With the electoral process of Sport Lisboa e Benfica concluded, the 34th President of the Club's Board, Rui Costa, was re-elected with 65.89% of the votes for the 2025-2029 term in the destiny of the Glorious Club. 

Another unforgettable day in the annals of the Club. The members were called to the polls and, in an exemplary manner, showed the world a "notable democratic vitality", as Rui Costa stated in his inauguration speech, at 7:19 a.m. this Sunday, November 9, at Pavilion No. 1 of Luz.

The President highlighted and praised "the highest voter turnout in a sports club in the world, the highest participation in an institution in Portugal", expressing pride in the achievement and thanking all Benfica fans. 

Among other ideas expressed, Rui Costa left an invitation to all candidates who presented themselves for the vote. "Now is the time for unity around the essential: the Glorious Sport Lisboa e Benfica," he said.

"My first words go to the Benfica fans: what immense pride! Congratulations on this remarkable democratic vitality and this extraordinary adherence. Only Benfica can make history in this way, with a Benfica-style vote! Only the Glorious One! What greatness! What spirit! What participation! The largest vote of a sports club in the world. The largest participation in an institution in Portugal. There is no equal to Benfica!", emphasized Rui Costa.

"I want to thank from the bottom of my heart for the work, dedication, and delivery: to the General Assembly Table for the exemplary organization of these elections; to the Benfica staff and all those involved in logistics, at the polling stations, and in the counting, for the hours of tireless work; to the Benfica Houses and all those who welcomed us, in the country and around the world, allowing this process to be an example of civic-mindedness, transparency, and democracy; to the Benfica Nation, for the example we set for the country and the world," emphasized the re-elected President.

"From north to south, on the islands and scattered across the world, the members expressed their will clearly and unequivocally. They did so with conviction and with the same love for the Club as always. I thank them for their trust and assume the responsibility that this vote confers upon us, so that we can continue to work for more victories, more titles, and more Benfica. I also thank my family for their constant support, which is fundamental for this and so many other challenges in my life," he emphasized.

"I still want to express, in a sincere and committed way, my gratitude for the contribution of all the candidates who participated in these elections. Today, in particular, I leave a word of respect and appreciation for João Noronha Lopes' team, for the work and dedication demonstrated during this long period. Despite our different perspectives, the ideas, projects, and ambitions of all have enriched the discussion about Benfica's future and brought great vitality to these elections. As I emphasized throughout this campaign, at the end of the day we are all Benfica. We share the same love for the Club and the same desire to honor its History, so that our Benfica continues to be even more Glorious in the present and in the future," said the President.

"In this spirit of unity, I would like to invite all the candidates who participated with me in these elections to join me on the presidential podium tonight to watch the game against Casa Pia. It will be an honor to receive you and celebrate together what unites us: Benfica. We all share the passion, the soul, and the mystique of Benfica. Thank you all," thanked Rui Costa. 

"Now, it is time to materialize our ideas and our projects, with renewed commitment to meet the challenges of the present and conquer the future. Now is the time for unity around the essential: the Glorious Sport Lisboa e Benfica. The will clearly expressed today by the members points the way for us to move forward together, strengthening the collective spirit and always placing our Benfica at the center of our actions," emphasized the President.

"We leave this electoral event strengthened, propelled by the strength, energy, and dedication that Benfica fans entrusted to us tonight. We leave even more determined and with renewed ambition to glorify Benfica. We will always be present, demanding, and close to our teams, members, Benfica Houses, and all those who make this club the greatest in the world, every day. Thank you to everyone. We are Benfica! We are all Benfica! Long live Sport Lisboa e Benfica!", concluded Rui Costa.