João Noronha Lopes has been out on the road, meeting Benfica members. He traveled through the central parts of the country. He shared his big plans for the club. These plans would kick in if he wins the upcoming elections on October 25th. His main message is simple: “We need more joy, more hope, and more victories.”
Lopes, a seasoned manager, wrapped up one busy day with a dinner. Over 80 members gathered at the Benfica House in Figueira da Foz. He spoke again about his vision for a unique “Benfica train” experience. He also highlighted his idea to boost the stadium’s capacity. He wants to see it grow to 83,000 seats. “Picture this,” he urged, “you ride the Benfica train, living and breathing our spirit. Then you arrive at the Luz stadium. There’s a vibrant atmosphere all around. It lets members connect and enjoy themselves.” He believes the space around Luz needs a fresh look. “I know how to do this without spending a fortune,” he added, “I have that kind of experience. We simply must expand and refresh our stadium.”
He also talked about the club’s rich history. The “eagles’ museum,” he says, must open its doors on match days. “So many Benfica fans live far from Lisbon,” he explained. “Coming to a game offers a perfect chance to connect with our past at the museum.” He also has a clear stance on tickets: members should not have to pay. “The museum belongs to you,” he stated firmly. “It’s ours, it’s for everyone. Benfica truly belongs to its members!”
Turning to the action on the pitch, Lopes brought up an earlier point. “I can never stop talking about identity,” he confessed. “We need to win more, but we must win the Benfica way.” He expects players to show deep commitment. “I want the players to feel as much passion as we, the members, do,” he stressed. “I don’t want to hear players at the airport saying Benfica is just a quick stop before another club.” He plans major investments in youth development. This will help keep top players at the club for longer. “We can’t keep this constant coming and going of players,” he noted. “It’s like an endless carousel. We need to win, with our strong Benfica identity.”