Benfica’s youth academy, known as Caixa Futebol Campus, is one of the most prolific football systems in the world. Developing talented young players is a point of pride for Portugal’s most successful club. Since opening in 2006, the academy has produced scores of professional players, generating huge profits and supplying stars to Benfica’s first team.
Benfica’s youth academy stands as a beacon of excellence, producing a stream of top-tier talents that have left an indelible mark on world football. This article explores the origins, facilities, investments, training regimen, notable players, profits, and the profound impact of Benfica’s youth academy.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Benfica spares no expense when it comes to facilities and resources for developing young talent. Benfica’s academy grew in significance over time, eventually evolving into the world-class institution it is today.
The Caixa Futebol Campus features eight top-class pitches plus an indoor pitch, gymnasium, swimming pools, classrooms, residences and catering facilities on its sprawling 200,000 square meter grounds.
Everything is designed to mimic a professional environment and nurture future stars. Benfica has invested over €100 million in developing what is regarded as one of the finest youth facilities anywhere in global football.
Origins and Philosophy
Benfica’s focus on youth development began in the 1950s with the opening of its original Formação academy. Legendary club president Fernando Martins implemented a philosophy focused on scouting and training the best young Portuguese talent.
This philosophy remains in place today. Benfica aims to develop skilled, technical and intelligent players ready for the highest levels. Their youth setup revolves around close technique development, decision making skills, tactical knowledge and preparing boys for professional football.
Rigorous Training Routine
Prospects as young as 8 join Benfica and quickly adapt to a regimented daily routine designed to develop technical skills. Training sessions focus extensively on touches, passing, movement and positional play.
Detailed data analysis tracks player progression while specialized coaches handle physical, technical and tactical development. Schoolwork ensures continued academic education.
The graduation of academy prospects to Benfica B or the first team is a major occasion. While only a handful will stay long term, Benfica takes pride in having prepared the next generation of Portuguese football stars.
From state-of-the-art facilities to an acclaimed development philosophy, Benfica’s youth academy system is admired and envied around the football world. It has become a supply line of talent and profitable transfer commodities that fuel the club’s success.
Notable Academy Graduates
Some of the biggest names in football came through Benfica’s academy including Ballon D’Or winner Eusebio. Benfica alumni also include Victor Moses, David Luiz, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix and Ederson.
In total, more than 50 academy graduates have gone on to play for the Portuguese national team. Benfica takes pride in supplying so many top players to the domestic league and national squad.
Here are some of the most notable stars produced by Benfica’s famed youth academy over the years:
Eusebio (1958-1975)
Ballon d’Or winner in 1965, scored 638 goals for Benfica. Still considered one of Portugal’s greatest ever players.
Joao Felix (2016-2019)
Broke into Benfica’s first team as a teenager in 2019 after coming through the academy. Sold to Atletico Madrid for €126 million as a 19-year old.
Bernardo Silva (2010-2015)
A playmaker with exceptional vision and creativity, now dazzling on the world stage. Moved from Benfica to AS Monaco in 2015 for €15.75 million. Now a star for Manchester City in the Premier League.
Ederson (2013-2017)
First-choice goalkeeper for Benfica by age 20. Sold to Manchester City for €40 million in 2017.
Victor Lindelof (2012-2017)
Captained Benfica before a €35 million transfer to Manchester United in 2017. Now a Swedish international.
Profitable Exports
While some alumni become Benfica legends, most young prospects are eventually sold to generate huge profits. Transfer fees for academy products exceeded €1 billion over the last decade.
Benfica’s scouting network spans South America, Africa and Europe to find promising youngsters. Investing in their development allows the club to routinely negotiate deals above €20 million for prized talents.
The sales fully fund academy operations while delivering transfer profits to invest in Benfica’s senior squad. This profitable youth model has become integral to the club’s business strategy.
Rivalry with other academies
Sporting CP’s academy has also produced many top players like Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo. But Benfica has surpassed them in recent years in productivity and profitability. FC Porto’s academy does not quite match the reputation of Benfica or Sporting. They have relied more on scouting and acquiring young players rather than developing internally. Benfica regularly supplies more homegrown talent to its first team than either rival. Their lineup usually features several academy graduates.
In terms of commercial success from developing and selling players, Benfica leads Sporting and Porto by a wide margin. They’ve made over €1 billion from academy player sales. Sporting may have a slight edge reputation-wise for developing very elite players like Figo and Ronaldo. But Benfica’s overall depth of top graduates is superior. Benfica reinvests more into their academy infrastructure and facilities than rivals. The Caixa campus surpasses anything Sporting or Porto have.
