Benfica’s Brightest Stars: Ranking the Club’s Best Players of the Last Decade

October 3, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Benfica has long been a factory of football talent, known not only for nurturing young stars through its academy but also for scouting top players from Latin America and beyond. Here’s a look at the most impactful names to wear the famous red shirt over the past ten years, starting with the rising prospects who could soon join this elite list.

Future Pearls Ready to Shine

Andreas Schjelderup — Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

The future looks bright for Benfica, with several young players poised to make headlines in the coming seasons. Álvaro Carreras, Tomás Araújo, and Andreas Schjelderup are among the most talked-about prospects, each showing signs of becoming the club’s next great export.

Nélson Semedo: A Mixed Journey

Semedo began his journey in Lisbon and earned a big move to Barcelona in 2017, but his defensive frailties were exposed in Europe’s biggest games. While he’s found more consistency at Wolves, the devastating 8-2 loss to Bayern remains a tough memory.

João Félix: The Wonderkid Who Sparked a Bidding War

Photo: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

João Félix burst onto the scene at Benfica with an incredible debut season, scoring 20 goals and adding 11 assists. Though his massive £120 million move to Atletico Madrid didn’t quite go as planned, he still holds the potential to revive his career.

Ángel Di María: The Gifted Returnee

Di María’s first spell at Benfica was a glimpse of his creative genius, culminating in a league title in 2010. After conquering Europe with Real Madrid and PSG, he returned to Lisbon, bringing world-class flair and experience back to the Estádio da Luz.

Bernardo Silva: A Star Raised by Benfica

Though his senior appearances were limited at Benfica, Silva’s development there laid the foundation for his brilliant career. Now a key player at Manchester City, his dazzling technique and intelligence make him one of Europe’s best midfielders.

Enzo Fernandez: A Brief Spell, A Big Impact

Enzo Fernández — Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

Enzo Fernandez may have only played half a season with Benfica, but he left a lasting impression—and a massive profit. After winning the 2022 World Cup’s Best Young Player award, he joined Chelsea for £106 million, marking one of the biggest deals in club history.

Nemanja Matic: Mourinho’s Midfield General

Matic returned to Chelsea from Benfica and became a Premier League mainstay, winning two league titles in West London. His reliability and strength in midfield made him a favourite of José Mourinho, who later signed him again at both Manchester United and Roma.

João Cancelo: Versatile and World-Class

From Benfica to Manchester City via Valencia and Juventus, Cancelo’s path was far from linear. Known for his ability to play on either flank and even drift into midfield, he’s become one of the most technically gifted full-backs of his generation.

David Luiz: The Polarising Leader

David Luiz left Benfica in 2011 and went on to win major honours across Europe, including a Champions League title with Chelsea. Though often criticised for inconsistency, his leadership and ball-playing skills earned him respect and silverware at every stop.

Rúben Dias: Defensive Excellence Defined

Since joining Manchester City in 2020, Dias has been a rock at the back, earning four Premier League titles and the Player of the Season award. Praised by Pep Guardiola for his endurance and game-reading ability, he remains one of the world’s elite centre-backs.

Jan Oblak: From Lisbon to La Liga Legend

Oblak’s €16 million move to Atletico Madrid proved a bargain, as he went on to become one of the best goalkeepers of his era. With over 140 clean sheets in La Liga, his consistent excellence between the posts is a testament to Benfica’s eye for elite talent.