Two weeks after the first round, Rui Costa was re-elected president of Benfica for the four-year period 2025-2029 with an impressive victory crowning a historic electoral act.
The members broke the world record for voters in a sports club: there were more than 93 thousand. In his victory speech, Rui Costa spoke of the importance of a “united Benfica” for a brighter future.
It was a long day that lasted until dawn. In the early hours and as the votes were counted, Rui Costa realized he was going to be the winner. With 65.89% of the votes, he left Noronha Lopes a long way away.
He left home after 6am heading to Pavilhão da Luz for the inauguration. The day turned out to be historic. The world record that had belonged to Barcelona since 2010 was beaten and by a large margin. More than 93 thousand members participated in the election.
Rui Costa won in 97 of the 108 voting stations, only losing to Noronha Lopes in 11 stations, all abroad.
Noronha Lopes was not at the inauguration, as was Luís Filipe Vieira. Martim Mayer, João Diogo Manteigas and Cristóvão Carvalho, candidates who did not make it to the second round, were at the ceremony.
Rui Costa hopes that the victory he obtained at the polls can be transversal to everything involving Benfica’s name.
