Benfica's Dynamic Presidential Elections: A New Era of Club Governance

On October 25, 2025, Sport Lisboa e Benfica embarked on a significant journey with its historic presidential elections, marking a pivotal moment in the club's governance. The elections were characterized by their competitive nature, featuring six presidential candidates vying for leadership. This election was not only notable for its competitiveness but also for the new statutes introduced in March 2025, which transformed the electoral process.

Under these new rules, a candidate needed to secure at least 50% of the votes to claim victory in the first round. Failing this, a runoff election was scheduled for November 8, 2025. This change aimed to ensure that the elected president truly represented the majority's choice, enhancing the democratic nature of the club's governance. Voting took place at the iconic Estádio da Luz, where members participated from 8:30 to 22:00 mainland Portuguese time.

The voter list included a remarkable 255,117 members, with 160,182 legally eligible to vote. Members' voting power varied, scaling from 3 to 50 votes depending on their membership duration, which underscored the importance of long-term commitment to the club. This intricate voting system highlights how deeply rooted the club's traditions are, valuing loyalty and sustained support from its fanbase.

Among the candidates, the incumbent president, Rui Costa, announced his candidacy with a sense of pride and commitment. In his statement, he expressed his admiration for the participation of 'Benfiquistas' in shaping the club's future. Costa's candidacy was seen as a continuation of his efforts to lead the club into a new era, capitalizing on the momentum built during his previous term.

This election is set to define Benfica's path for the 2025-2029 term, making it a crucial event for supporters and stakeholders alike. As the votes were cast, the anticipation grew around who would emerge victorious and what new directions the club might take. The outcome of these elections will undoubtedly have a profound impact on Benfica's governance, strategy, and long-term vision.