A presidential candidate for Portuguese football giant Benfica has unveiled an ambitious plan to infuse advanced artificial intelligence across the club’s operations, aiming to redefine player development, fan interaction, and financial growth.
Martim Mayer, leading the ‘Benfica in the Blood’ campaign for the club’s upcoming elections, announced his commitment to leveraging AI to transform athletes into “digital athletes” through new technologies.
A core component of Mayer’s proposal is the implementation of AI in key athletic areas. This includes global scouting for early talent identification and the creation of predictive models to track athlete development.
The strategy also involves integrating international data to ensure a competitive advantage and more efficient decision-making. Player performance would be maximized with AI used for injury prevention, biometric monitoring, and personalized training regimens.
Mayer envisions the establishment of a “Benfica Innovation Lab,” described as a comprehensive sports innovation hub. This collaborative laboratory would unite startups, universities, and technology companies.
Its purpose is to develop cutting-edge solutions applicable to sport, performance, fan engagement, and the financial sustainability of the club. The lab would also feature an annual acceleration program designed to promote new ideas and attract technological investment, strengthening Benfica’s revenues and its standing in the global football industry.
Fans are also central to the digital transformation, with Mayer proposing a generative AI-based digital assistant. This assistant would offer omnichannel communication, personalized content, and gamified experiences. The goal is to bring the club closer to its vast member base and position Benfica as a leader in digital proximity with its supporters.