Undecided at Benfica after a historic year – women's football

Undecided at Benfica after a historic year – women's football

At the end of her contract, Philippa Patau had an uncertain future. Kika Nazareth and Jessica Silva may also leave

• Photo: LUSA/EPA

The 2023/24 season has been historic for Benfica. For the first time, the Reds won all domestic titles in the same season – Liga BPI, Taça de Portugal, Taça da Liga and Supertaça – after reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League, a competition in which they tied (4-4) with Barcelona in the group stage. He was eliminated in the quarter-finals by the strong Lyon.

The Eagles continue to dominate Portuguese women's football, but after celebrating in recent weeks, there is now uncertainty. Coach Philippa Patau, whose contract expires in June, did not guarantee continuity. “I'm only talking about the future at the end of the season. It's always been like that. It's a topic that should only be addressed at that time when we're really focusing our minds on the future, not when there are still cups and titles to go around. “Competing for it depends on wins and results, and I “I'm no exception, even if I have two, three or four years left on my contract.”

But Philippa Patau is not the only one who could leave the club. Kika Nazareth, the company's star, with a contract until 2025, arouses the interest of Barcelona and Chelsea, as he does register mentioned. The Catalans have even made an offer, while the English have a credit in future coach Sonia Bombastor, who admires the Portuguese's qualities.

In the same situation is Jessica Silva, who faced disciplinary problems in the last half and is close to exiting. In contrast, the four-time national champions, Karol Costa, Lucia Alves, Ana Sica and Andrea Faria, all at the end of their contracts, must renew.

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Paige and six others say goodbye

A less resonant name, Paige Almendariz is also an out-of-the-deck card. The 26-year-old American left-back arrived last summer after his contract with Braga expired, but he did not get many opportunities. He has played just 18 games, scoring two goals, and Luz will leave for the same reasons as Silvia Rebelo, Ruti Costa, Marta Sintra, Daniela Silva, Amelia and Valeria, whose contracts have expired.

The 2023/24 season has been historic for Benfica. For the first time, the Reds won all the domestic titles in the same season – Liga BPI, Taça de Portugal, Taça da Liga and Supertaça -, having reached the…


Written by Francisco Guerra


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