You know, there’s something special about seeing old heroes back on the pitch. It’s not just about the kicks and passes; it’s about the stories they carry, the wisdom they’ve gained. That’s exactly what happened this past Sunday in Nazaré. Former Benfica stars, Ljubomir Fejsa and Eliseu, laced up their boots again for the third Liga Portugal Legends event, an afternoon that FC Porto ended up winning. But beyond the fun, these two shared a clear message: Benfica needs to kick off the 2025/26 season with a bang.
For a club like Benfica, winning isn’t just a goal; it’s a way of life. Fejsa, a Serbian international, pointed this out. He told the Lusa agency, “Just like when I played here, I expect Benfica to always play to win.” He stressed how important it is to start strong. He knows the team has changed a bit with new faces, but for him, the focus must be on what it takes to secure victories right from the start.
Fejsa played for Benfica from 2013 to 2020. During that time, he appeared in 169 games and scored two goals. He was part of a golden era, helping the club win five championships, two Portuguese Cups, three League Cups, and three Super Cups. He was also a key player in the team that won four straight league titles in 2017, sharing the dressing room with Eliseu. Football, as they say, has its own mind. Fejsa described last season’s outcome as simply the “unpredictability of football.” Benfica only managed to lift the League Cup. They finished second in the Liga Betclic, just two points behind Sporting, and lost the Portuguese Cup final to their rivals 3-1 after extra time.
Now, Fejsa believes, a fresh chapter begins. The first big test is the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup on Thursday. That match, starting at 8:45 PM at the Algarve Stadium, will pit Benfica against Sporting. Fejsa commented on the new players joining the squad, names like Amar Dedic from Marseille, Rafael Obrador from Deportivo, Richard Rios from Palmeiras, and Enzo Barrenechea from Valencia. “Whoever arrived is a good player,” he said, “because at Benfica, they really have to be.” He also made sure to mention the fans. Fejsa, who retired at 36 at the end of last season, never forgets the Benfica supporters. “The fans are always very important,” he said. “Support is never lacking.”
Eliseu, who wore the Benfica shirt in 109 games between 2014 and 2018, completely agreed. “Benfica fans always showed they are the 12th player,” the 41-year-old left-footed player stated. “This year will be no exception.” He has high hopes for the club. “Even though things didn’t go as expected last season, this year Benfica will definitely win more titles.” He’s looking for “many red victories” to ensure the team ends up with “the most points in the championship.” The former Portuguese international, a European Champion in 2016, also gave a nod to Sp. Braga and V. Guimarães, saying they “also have a word to say.”
When asked about the transfer market, Eliseu wasn’t too worried. “I’m not following it much,” he admitted. But his message was clear: “Whether player A or B leaves, and player A or B comes in, let them honor the Benfica shirt and understand the meaning of the ‘sacred mantle’.” He was then asked specifically about the recent departure of Spanish defender Álvaro Carreras, who signed with Real Madrid for 50 million euros. “Carreras can leave, Eliseu can leave, everyone who passed through the club,” he stressed. “But Benfica always finds a solution.” He pointed to the club’s history of winning many titles as proof. “It doesn’t matter if it’s A, B, or C,” he concluded. “What matters is that they come to Benfica and understand what it means to wear this shirt.” Eliseu himself won three championships, one Portuguese Cup, two League Cups, and two Super Cups with the Lisbon club.
Away from the tournament, organized by the Portuguese Professional Football League, Fejsa also spoke about the huge impact Benfica had on his life. He admitted that leaving the club was incredibly tough. “Leaving was very hard,” he recalled, “and it was an incredible emotion.” He explained that while you’re playing, you don’t feel it as much, but when the time comes to leave, “you start to feel things I can’t explain.” He called Benfica a club he “adores” and praised his time there as the “best years of my career.” It’s clear that for these former players, the bond with Benfica runs deep, and their hope for the new season is strong.