Benfica boasts a truly massive family of supporters, perhaps the largest in the world. Imagine the collective brainpower and skill hidden within that sea of red and white. For years, this incredible resource has largely remained untapped, a sleeping giant of talent. Now, a candidate for the club’s presidency wants to change that.
João Diogo Manteigas, an attorney running for the top spot at Benfica, has a bold idea. He proposes creating a “Benfica Talent Base.” This isn’t about finding new players. It’s about letting members and fans offer their professional skills to the club. Manteigas shared his vision on social media, stating, “Benfica has the largest membership in the world, but until today has never taken advantage of its greatest asset: the talent of Benfica fans.” He believes this new base would let any member or supporter voluntarily share their professional expertise, helping the club grow stronger.
The plan is simple yet powerful, operating under the motto, “A stronger Benfica starts with the talent of its family.” Members or fans would sign up willingly. They would then list two or three areas where they have professional experience. The club promises to handle all personal data with full consent and top-notch security. This system would allow Benfica to quickly find and mobilize specific talents whenever the club needs them, from marketing help to engineering advice.
The potential impact of this idea stretches far beyond just filling open roles. Manteigas sees it as a way to speed up the hiring of crucial experts. It would also build a strong “mission network” among Benfica fans, bringing them closer to the club’s goals. This initiative aims to connect personal values directly to the club’s very soul. Most importantly, it would give a real voice and practical purpose to the world’s biggest fan community.