Benfica presidential hopeful Martim Mayer closed his campaign with a defiant stance against opinion polls and a strong affirmation of his readiness for leadership, invoking the legacy of his grandfather, former club president Borges Coutinho.
Mayer, 51, expressed confidence in his campaign’s efforts to convey his proposals to club members, stating he felt he had “delivered and given everything.” He underlined that members hold the ultimate power to elect Benfica’s president.
The candidate dismissed the importance of recent opinion polls. He asserted that he did not enter the election merely “to be a candidate,” but rather “to be president of Benfica,” a role he feels prepared for.
His campaign’s core proposal, he added, embodies a commitment to his grandfather’s vision. Mayer emphasized a desire to “do something ‘à Borges Coutinho’,” referring to a specific approach to leadership.
He presented himself as a spokesperson for a skilled team, expressing pride in their collective work and belief that his grandfather would also be proud of their plans. Mayer concluded the campaign at a dinner in Lisbon, attended by over 200 supporters. Among the notable attendees were campaign mandatary António Simões and Manuel Boto, a candidate for the Remunerations Committee.
Mayer indicated he is “at ease” and “at peace” regarding the wait for the election results, which are anticipated around November 8.