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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Sports Desk • Soccer

S.L. Benfica

Sport Lisboa e Benfica, commonly known as Benfica, is a Portuguese professional sports club based in Lisbon, best known for its men's football team.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Benfica is a Portuguese professional sports club based in Lisbon, best known for its men's football team. Founded in 1904, it is one of Portugal's leading clubs and a member of the country's 'Big Three'.

What it is

Sport Lisboa e Benfica, commonly known as Benfica, is a multisport club founded on 28 February 1904 in Lisbon. Its men's football team competes in the Primeira Liga and has never been relegated from the top flight. The club's nickname is As Águias (The Eagles) and its home stadium is Estádio da Luz.

Key details

Benfica was founded as Sport Lisboa and later merged to become Sport Lisboa e Benfica. It plays at Estádio da Luz, a modern stadium opened in 2003. The club is one of Portugal's 'Big Three' alongside Sporting CP and FC Porto, and its main rivals are those two clubs.

Why it matters

Benfica is one of Portugal's most successful football clubs. Depending on the source, it has won 37 or 38 league titles, multiple domestic cups, and two European Cups/Champions League titles. Its historic rivalries with Sporting CP (Lisbon derby) and FC Porto define Portuguese football.

In short

  • Founded on 28 February 1904 in Lisbon.
  • Never been relegated from the Primeira Liga.
  • Home stadium is Estádio da Luz.
  • Main rivals are Sporting CP and FC Porto.

Quick questions

What is Benfica?
Benfica is a Portuguese professional sports club best known for its men's football team, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, based in Lisbon.
What league does Benfica play in?
Benfica's men's football team plays in Portugal's Primeira Liga.
Who are Benfica's rivals?
Benfica's main rivals are Sporting CP and FC Porto, together forming Portugal's 'Big Three'.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S.L._Benfica
    Supports: Founded in 1904; Primeira Liga club; rivals Sporting CP and FC Porto; stadium Estádio da Luz.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/S.L._Benfica
    Supports: Benfica is a Portuguese football team based in Lisbon; stadium; honours totals including league titles.
  3. Portuguese Wikipedia — https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_Lisboa_e_Benfica
    Supports: Official name; founded 1904; total official trophies; Lisbon base.
  4. FC Barcelona — https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/4226862/the-lowdown-on-sl-benfica
    Supports: Founded in 1904; league title count; current stadium history and capacity.
  5. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/023a-0e94e0ca1792-7b271763080a-1000--sl-benfica/
    Supports: Formed 1904; nickname; domestic honours totals.
  6. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/sl-benfica/startseite/verein/294
    Supports: Official club name; founded date; Lisbon address.