Rui Costa is the new president of Benfica

After the resignation of Luís Filipe Vieira on Saturday, he who had been in the presidency since 2003, Benfica appointed its new president for the next four years: the former Portuguese international Rui Costa (94 caps, 26 goals).

The 49-year-old leader won in the presidential elections against his opponent Francisco Benitez, winning 84.48% of the vote. More than 40,000 voters took part in this election, a record.

For his first speech as president, the former attacking midfielder of Fiorentina and AC Milan said he was delighted with this great victory: “I take the greatest responsibility of my life. I know the responsibility I have on my shoulders. It is a day that makes me very proud. It was the 10th of the 10th, so it had to happen. I won't be president for just one party, but for all the Benfica fans.

I appreciated everyone's support and I do not despise those who did not vote for me. I enjoyed reaching 40,085 voters. It's extraordinary. It's important for me, for Benitez and for this club. The big victory is that Benfica took a landslide victory with 40,085 voters. Benfica is alive and very much alive."

Eleitos os Órgãos Sociais do Clube para o quadriénio 2021-2025. Rui Manuel César Costa é o 34.º Presidente da história do Sport Lisboa e Benfica. pic.twitter.com/jEZ1O76692

— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) October 10, 2021