Diogo Ferreira renews contract

Diogo José Nazaré Jesus Ferreira, an 18-year-old goalkeeper (born February 10, 2007), has renewed his contract with Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

"This renewal means a lot of pride. I often tell people that there are big clubs, and then there is Benfica. So, it is a huge source of pride to have renewed. There is still a lot of work to be done", the goalkeeper told BTV.

Still a 1st year U19, Diogo Ferreira, a member of the Under-23 squad, is in his 6th season with the Eagles, after signing in 2019/20 from Lusitano FC Vildemoinhos, where he played for one season.

His time with the Eagles has been positive. "It's been six incredible seasons, full of learning experiences. There have been some setbacks along the way, some injuries, but without a doubt, many good things have happened and will happen", he said, highlighting his personal and professional development.

"Incredible growth. I have a lot to thank Sport Lisboa e Benfica for, all the people who were part of that growth, and there is still a lot to do", he said.

Diogo Ferreira, who began his sports career at Académico de Viseu and also played for SC Penalva do Castelo, has won several titles with the Reds. In 2022/23, he became national champion with the U17s, and in the current season (2024/25) he also contributed to the team's success in the National U19 Championship. He also added to the success in the Revelação Cup, recently won by the U23s, the first trophy ever in this category.

"Just the idea of knowing that I am part of history is incredible, at a club as big as Benfica. It motivates me to continue doing my job as I have been doing", he emphasized.

The 2024/25 season was also marked by the goalkeeper's debut for Benfica B, having played in two Premier League International Cup matches. Diogo Ferreira took away “very good indicators” from having played in the youth teams above the U19s.

"I think it was an incredible season, with a lot of learning. Many good things happened, achievements, but above all, I think I managed to evolve as a player and as a person, and that's the most important thing", said the young goalkeeper.

Diogo Ferreira has played in 29 matches this season. In addition to the two mentioned above for the B team, he has played in five Under-23 matches and 22 Under-19 National Championship matches. In the future, he intends to continue to evolve, climbing all the steps.

"Any player in the Sport Lisboa e Benfica youth academy aspires to reach the first team, and that is my biggest goal. I will work every day to reach that level and take advantage of the future experiences that will come my way", said the goalkeeper, who has 35 caps for Portugal's youth teams: 4 for the Under-15s, 8 for the Under-16s, 15 for the Under-17s, and 8 for the Under-18s.

"It's always good to be at the top, to learn from older players, to learn from more experienced players. And that's what I can take from it, those lessons, and be the best from there", he emphasized.

In a message to Benfica fans, Diogo Ferreira assured them that he is focused on working hard: "I can promise a lot of hard work, a lot of perseverance, and to continue working."