Some moments in sports last forever, even if they only happen for a few minutes. For Diogo Prioste, stepping onto the field against Fenerbahçe was one of those times. It wasn’t about the full 90 minutes; it was about a specific, deeply meaningful instant.
Prioste joined the game in the second half. He only played for about 30 minutes, but that was all he needed. When Benfica’s usual captain, Otamendi, left the field in the 84th minute, a big responsibility landed on Prioste’s young shoulders. He was handed the captain’s armband. This wasn’t entirely new territory for him, though; he’d worn the armband many times while climbing through the ranks of the youth academy.
The game also honored the legendary Eusébio, adding another layer of history to the night. For Prioste, it completed a unique journey. He shared his feelings on social media after the match: “On a night honoring our King Eusébio I had the opportunity, the honor, and the privilege to wear the captain’s armband. Dream lived, history made: captain in all youth levels. Thanks to everyone who is part of this journey. Let’s go, Benfica.”
Prioste came on at the 65-minute mark. But his brief stint as captain ended in stoppage time. As he left the field, he passed the captain’s armband to teammate Leandro Barreiro. Even so, the memory of that short period will undoubtedly stay with him for a lifetime.
