Benfica is pursuing Guinness World Records recognition after its recent club elections drew a record 86,297 members, marking a new global benchmark for voter participation. The Portuguese football giant announced Wednesday that it has initiated the official submission process.
The turnout on Saturday surpassed the previous record of 57,088 voters, which was set by Spain’s Barcelona in 2010.
Benfica stated on its website that it will formally document the entire procedure as required by Guinness guidelines. The club initially reported 85,710 voters, later correcting the figure to include null and blank ballots.
The club characterized the participation as a “clear demonstration of democratic vivacity and associative involvement.”
Benfica has also informed Guinness of its ambition to achieve 100,000 voters in the upcoming second round.
The decisive second round of voting is scheduled for November 8. Rui Costa led the first round with 42.13% of the votes. Noronha Lopes secured 30.25%. Costa and Lopes will now face each other in the final runoff.