"We are all Benfica!"

SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT

With Sport Lisboa e Benfica's historic election now over, the club's 34th president, Rui Costa, was re-elected with 65.89% of the votes for the 2025-2029 term at the helm of the reds. 

Another unforgettable day in the Club's history. Members were called to the polls and, in an exemplary manner, showed the world a "remarkable democratic vitality", as Rui Costa emphasized in his inauguration speech at 7:19 am on Sunday, November 9, at Pavilhão n.º 1 da Luz.

The President highlighted and praised "the largest vote for a sports club in the world, the largest participation in an institution in Portugal", expressing his pride in the achievement and thanking all Benfica fans.

Among other ideas expressed, Rui Costa extended an invitation to all candidates who stood for election. "Now is the time to unite around what is essential: the Glorious Sport Lisboa e Benfica", he said.

"My first words go to Benfica fans: what an immense source of pride! Congratulations on this remarkable democratic vitality and extraordinary turnout. Only Benfica could make history in this way, with a Benfica vote! Only the 'Glorioso' [Glorious]! What greatness! What spirit! What participation! The largest vote for a sports club in the world. The highest participation in an institution in Portugal. There is no equal to Benfica!" emphasized Rui Costa.

"I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the work, dedication, and commitment: to the General Assembly Board for the exemplary organization of these elections; to Benfica's employees and everyone involved in logistics, at the polling stations, and in the counting of votes, for their tireless work; to the Casas do Benfica and to all those who welcomed us, in the country and around the world, allowing this process to be an example of civility, transparency, and democracy; to the Benfica Nation, for the example we have set for the country and the world", said the re-elected President.

"From north to south, islands and all over the world, members expressed their will clearly and unequivocally. They did so with conviction and with their usual love for the Club. I am grateful for the trust placed in us and I accept the responsibility that this vote gives us to continue working for more victories, more titles, and more Benfica. I would also like to thank my family for their unwavering support, which has been fundamental for this and so many other challenges in my life", he said.

"I would also like to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the contribution of all the candidates who participated in these elections. Today, in particular, I would like to express my respect and appreciation for João Noronha Lopes' team, for their work and dedication throughout this long period. Despite our different perspectives, everyone's ideas, projects, and ambitions enriched the discussion about Benfica's future and brought enormous vitality to these elections. As I have 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", stressed 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 in the presidential box tonight to watch the game against Casa Pia. It will be an honor to welcome you and celebrate together what unites us: Benfica. We all share the passion, soul, and mystique of Benfica. Thank you all", said Rui Costa.

"Now is the time to put our ideas and projects into practice, with renewed determination to meet the challenges of the present and win the future. Now is the time to unite around what is essential: the Glorious Sport Lisboa e Benfica. The will expressed unequivocally today by the members points the way for us to move forward together, strengthening the collective spirit and always putting our Benfica at the center of our actions", emphasized the President.

"We emerge from this election stronger, driven by the strength, energy, and dedication that Benfica fans have entrusted us with tonight. We emerge even more determined and with renewed ambition to make Benfica even greater. We will always be there, we will be demanding and close to our teams, our members, the Casas do Benfica, and everyone who makes this club the greatest in the world, every day. Thank you all. We are Benfica! We are all Benfica! Long live Sport Lisboa e Benfica!" concluded Rui Costa.