Benfica stands in solidarity with the Chinese people

Sport Lisboa e Benfica shows all its support and solidarity with the Chinese people struggling with the coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic.

The message is also addressed to Benfica's partners in China: General Administration of Sports, Beijing Sports University, Government of Hainan Province, Hainan International Innovative Education Island, FA of Chongqing, CSSF (China Sport School Federation), Casa do Benfica in Macau, Beijing Victory Eagle Sports Management and our Nantong-based academy, run by Feili Sports.

In SL Benfica-SC Braga match, at 6:00 pm on Saturday at Estádio da Luz, for matchday 21 of the Liga NOS, 44 youngsters (22 Portuguese and 22 Chinese) will step onto the pitch with the players from both teams wearing jerseys with the message "Stay Strong China We are Together" in Mandarin. In the center of the pitch and panel in front of the players' line-up will be banners with the same message, which will also be displayed on the mega screens and the Stadium's pitchside advertisement boards.

The ambassador of the People's Republic of China will be present in the Presidential Box.

All this activity will then be seen in China, namely on CCTV1, the major Chinese television channel, and on local social networks.

Benfica in China

Currently, Benfica has two soccer schools in Chine China, in the cities of Chongqing and Nantong. In total, eight coaches of the Club are responsible for the development of about 300 athletes.

Last December, Benfica established a cooperation agreement with Hainan International Innovative Education Island, of which Beijing Sport University is a member. This protocol is aimed at the football sector, with an innovative project to create a scientific hub for research and innovation that will be launched in China, on a campus with a planned size of 12 square kilometers. Benfica is also cooperating with the Ministry of Sports through the CSSF, focusing on an innovative project in the area of youth football.

Finally, the Club is preparing to open a branch in the People's Republic of China soon.