Ligue 1 stars who once played for Benfica 🇵🇹

Ligue 1 and Benfica have shared some pretty big names!

Nice suffered a first disappointment against Benfica in the 3rd qualifying round of the C1 last week. A 2-0 defeat that didn't go down well and that the Nice team hope to erase this Tuesday evening.

Before diving in, let's take a quick look at the Ligue 1 stars who have passed through the Lisbon club.

Angel Di Maria 🇦🇷

One of the best players to have graced Ligue 1, Angel Di Maria took on his last European challenge at Benfica. The club that allowed him to make his debut on a continent where he ended up winning everything.

Bernardo Silva 🇵🇹

Trained at Benfica, Bernardo Silva arrived in Monaco in 2014. In Ligue 1, the Portuguese won a French championship in 2017 while PSG was ultra dominant. 

We remember his decisive goal against the Parisians, a long-range shot that led to a crucial victory.

David Luiz 🇧🇷

Before holding the Parisian defense, David Luiz had his glory days with Benfica. In 2010, he was even voted the best player in the Portuguese championship. Champion of Portugal in 2010 and double winner of the League Cup, he joined Chelsea in 2011 to take the next step

Nemanja Matić 🇷🇸

After a difficult 2011-12 season, Nemanja Matić finally established himself in Jorge Jesus's XI the following season. Once he was given a starting spot in midfield, he never left his position.

In January 2013, his strike against FC Porto made Clássico history. A volley so perfectly executed that it was nominated for the Puskás award that year. 

João Neves 🇵🇹

The gem of the academy, nominated for the Raymond Kopa award, winner of the Champions League. João Neves honed his skills at Benfica before shaking up Ligue 1. A raw talent like the Portuguese club loves to produce. 

At almost 21 years old, João Neves has the soul of a future great player. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

📸 FEDERICO PARRA - AFP or licensors