An opposition candidate for the Sport Lisboa e Benfica presidency has announced a surge of over 800 new volunteers, signaling continued grassroots mobilization despite his recent electoral defeat.
The campaign of João Noronha Lopes, operating under the banner ‘Benfica acima de tudo’ (Benfica above all), characterized this influx as a “clear sign of strong mobilization of Benfica fans.” It aims to “return the club to its essence.”
The volunteers, according to the campaign, have committed their “time and energy to help with the change that Sport Lisboa e Benfica needs.”
The announcement was made on Tuesday, following the club’s presidential elections held on Saturday.
The campaign’s press release stated these new volunteers represent “a genuine movement of unity, commitment, and passion.” They are Benfica fans “who believe it is possible to build a stronger, more transparent, and closer Benfica to its members.” The campaign pledged to continue welcoming all who wish to contribute, emphasizing that “the strength of change lies in people.”