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SL Benfica is the club with one of the highest recognitions in Europe. Formed in 1904, they are one of three clubs in Portugal to have never been relegated from the Primeira Liga.
They also have enormous records across all competitions. Since the club's inception, Benfica have earned the title of the most decorated club in Portugal. They have won a record 37 Primeira Liga titles, a record 26 Taca de Portugal, a record 7 Taca da Liga, 8 Supertaca Candido de Oliveira and 3 Campeonato de Portuga along with 2 European titles, amassing a total of 83 trophies.
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Benfica has shaped many records throughout their career
Benfica became the first domestic club to complete two seasons without a defeat. In one of these seasons, Benfica obtained the largest points gap (18) with the runners-up, a record created during the two-points-per-win system.
Furthermore, they hold the podium for the most consecutive wins (29) in a major European league along with the longest unbeaten streak (56) in the Primeira Liga. Since UEFA introduced European club competitions, Benfica have also topped the group there with the longest unbeaten streak (48) across all competitions.
While they have made it a habit of creating records, Benfica have also successfully produced many talents across the years. Famous for nurturing young talents, the club ranks first in the list of most money made (€953 million) from players sold last decade. Taking a look at the list, we will be featuring five of their most expensive departures:
#5 Raul Jimenez - €38 million
Raul Jimenez started his professional career at a Mexican club and had a short spell at Atletico Madrid before joining Portuguese side Benfica. He enjoyed a successful period there as he won two league titles along with other domestic honors.
In 2018, he was loaned out to Wolverhampton Wanderers, who had just earned their promotion to the Premier League. The 30-year-old striker produced an outstanding season in which he scored 17 goals for the club. This helped them achieve a solid seventh position, and he went on to become their Players' Player of the Season.
Wolves then made his move permanent which cost them €38 million. He went on to produce another improved season with them. However, in November 2020, a nasty clash with David Luiz put him out of action for a long time. The clash fractured his skull and, after recovering from injury, he made his return during the club's 2021/22 pre-season friendlies.
#4 Axel Witsel - €40 million
The Belgian international made his debut for Standard Liege, a Belgian club, and spent five successful years with them. After appearing more than 180 times for them, Witsel joined Benfica in 2012. The Portuguese side inserted a buyout clause of €40 million in his contract.
He had started on a great note there, however, Russian club Zenit agreed to pay his clause and he signed a five-year-contract with them after just over a year with Benfica.
Currently playing for Borussia Dortmund, the 32-year-old midfielder has been a regular in the Belgium squad. With 120 caps for his country, Witsel was part of the squad that grabbed third place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
#3 Ederson - €40 million
The Brazilian goalkeeper became a target for Manchester City after his incredible performance at Benfica. Before his move to Portugal, Ederson played for a couple of Brazilian clubs which helped him earn his recognition in Europe.
Pep Guardiola noted his impressive performances and signed him in 2017, making him the second-most expensive goalkeeper at that time. By selling Ederson to Manchester City, Benfica recorded one of their best ever deals. They signed the goalkeeper for just €500,000 and were able to receive €40 million on his sale.
Ederson became Guardiola's primary choice right away and has gone on to deliver trophy-winning performances. His improving form has earned him a battling chance for the No.1 spot in the Brazil squad alongside Alisson Becker.
#2 Ruben Dias - €68 million
A complete product of the Benfica academy, Ruben Dias is in the process of cementing himself as one of the best defenders on the planet. He started his Benfica career as a youth and represented the B-team for two years, before earning his promotion to the first-team.
Dias put up impressive displays in his initial months which eventually attracted attention from Lyon who were preparing a big money move. However, Dias shut that down by extending his contract with Benfica.
Another thriving season attracted attention from the Premier League giants, whose offer Benfica decided to accept. In September 2020, Manchester City signed the 24-year-old defender for €68 million.
He became a crucial addition for the Blue side in Manchester as they won back the league title. Dias was named the club's Player of the Season as well as Premier League Player of the Season in his initial year.
#1 Joao Felix - €127.20 million
Joao Felix became the club's most expensive departure when Atletico Madrid signed him in 2019. The Golden Boy winner has been termed as one of the most promising talents after his eye-catching display with Benfica.
Felix graduated from the the Portuguese club's academy and went on to feature for the B-team for two seasons. His promotion to the first-team earned him more experience as well as recognition from other clubs.
With many clubs interested in the hot prospect, it was Atletico Madrid who won the race as they spent €127.20 million, making him the most expensive Primeira Liga departure, the second-most expensive teenager and the fourth-most expensive player.
Since his move to La Liga, the 22-year-old forward has not been able to replicate his form with frequent injuries hampering his flow. However, he can become one of the unstoppable forces in the future once he overcomes the hurdles.
