A Century of Glory
From a pharmacy back-room in 1904 to two European Cups and a record number of Portuguese titles — the story of Sport Lisboa e Benfica is the story of O Glorioso. Here are the moments that made the Eagles.
Sport Lisboa is born
On 28 February 1904, a group of Lisbon enthusiasts led by Cosme Damião founded Sport Lisboa. The eagle, the motto and the red shirts would soon define the club.
The early emblem
Sport Lisboa’s early emblem takes shape, carrying the red and the founding spirit that would come to define the club.
The merger — Sport Lisboa e Benfica
On 13 September 1908, Sport Lisboa absorbed Grupo Sport Benfica, taking the name we know today and adopting the famous crest with the eagle, shield and bicycle wheel.
The crest matures
Through the following decades the crest settles into the form fans cherish today — the eagle perched above the red-and-white shield and bicycle wheel, wrapped in the motto E Pluribus Unum.
Champions of Portugal
Benfica are crowned national champions for the first time, beginning an era of domestic dominance that continues to this day.
First European silverware
Benfica lift the Latin Cup, an early forerunner of European competition and a sign of things to come.
The Estádio da Luz opens
The original Stadium of Light is inaugurated, giving the Eagles a fortress that would become one of the most feared grounds in Europe.
Kings of Europe
Under coach Béla Guttmann, Benfica win their first European Cup, beating Barcelona 3–2 — ending Real Madrid’s reign over the competition.
Back-to-back — and a legend rises
Benfica retain the European Cup with a thrilling 5–3 win over Real Madrid, as a young Eusébio announces himself to the world.
Guttmann’s Curse
Denied a pay rise, Guttmann left vowing Benfica would not win a European trophy for 100 years. The Eagles would lose the finals of 1963, 1965 and 1968 — the curse was born.
The Eusébio era
The “Black Panther” becomes a global icon, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1965 and leading Benfica to relentless domestic success.
The current crest
Benfica adopts the crest used today — the definitive eagle perched above the red-and-white shield and bicycle wheel, wrapped in the motto E Pluribus Unum.
A new Cathedral
The modern Estádio da Luz opens, going on to host matches at Euro 2004 and two UEFA Champions League finals.
The biggest family in football
Benfica is recognised by Guinness World Records as the club with the most paid-up members on the planet.
The Seixal academy — Caixa Futebol Campus
Benfica opens its Centro de Estágio in Seixal — a state-of-the-art training centre and one of Europe’s most acclaimed academies. The famed “talent factory” develops home-grown stars who shine across the continent.
Benfica TV goes live
The club launches its own channel, Benfica TV (BTV), bringing matches, news and behind-the-scenes coverage straight to Benfiquistas around the world.
A domestic clean sweep
Benfica complete a treble of League, Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga, and reach the Europa League final.
A record 38th league title
The Eagles are crowned champions of Portugal once more, extending their record as the most decorated club in the country.
Benfica FM — the club’s radio
Benfica FM, the official radio of the Eagles, takes to the air — fittingly opening at 19:04, a nod to the founding year of 1904.
O Glorioso lives on
More than a century on, Benfica remains the heartbeat of Portuguese football and a way of life for millions of Benfiquistas worldwide. Carrega Benfica!