Ligue 1 stars who once played for Benfica 🇵🇹 | OneFootball

Ligue 1 and Benfica have shared some great names!

Nice suffered an initial setback against Benfica during the first leg of the 3rd round of the Champions League qualifiers last week. A 2-0 defeat that left a bad taste, which the people of Nice hope to erase this Tuesday evening.

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

Angel Di Maria 🇦🇷

One of the best players to have passed through Ligue 1, Angel Di Maria took on one last European challenge at Benfica. A club that allowed him to make his debut on a continent where he eventually won everything.

Bernardo Silva 🇵🇹

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

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

David Luiz 🇧🇷

Before holding the Parisian defense, David Luiz had his moments of glory 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 a new step.

Nemanja Matić 🇷🇸

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

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

João Neves 🇵🇹

The jewel of the training center, nominated for the Raymond Kopa award, and a Champions League winner. 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 spirit 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