THE Benfica announced, in the form of a statement issued through official platforms early this Friday morning, that it had reached an agreement with Miguel Figueiredo with a view to signing a new contract, the validity of which remains, at least for now, the ‘secret of the gods’.
The renewal comes just over three months after Marco Silva made him one of the youngest players in history to play for the Reds’ first team, at just 17 years, 11 months and 22 days old, on July 23, when he was selected as a starter in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
At the time, the outcome was not ideal, as the Eagles were (surprisingly) defeated in their trip to the Berit Sitterstadion, against St. Gallen, by 2-1, but the Portuguese under-19 international gave good indicators, which, he admits, he intends to continue, so that more opportunities arise.
“The memories of the game itself weren’t the best, because we ended up losing. It wasn’t a very happy debut, but the bus leaving the hotel, the fans hitting the bus, the smoke, seeing the passion of the Benfica fans, all of that stood out and gave me goosebumps”, he said, in statements made to BTV.
“It’s a pride to stay here. It was the club that gave me everything, that helped me develop, both as a player and as a man. It’s a source of pride and extra motivation to stay at Benfica”, he added.
“We achieved a 7-0 against Sporting, which will always be remembered”
Born in Aveiro, Miguel Figueiredo arrived at Benfica when he was just five years old, and never left. When asked about the most memorable moment with an eagle on his chest, he didn’t hesitate: “The national youth championship ended up being the most special, also because it took longer. The championship lasted 11 months.”
“For the football we played – I think we were, by far, the best team – and for the results we achieved. We achieved a 7-0 against Sporting, which will always be remembered, and the final game here, almost like a championship final, against FC Porto, we also managed to win”, he pointed out.
On his CV, he also has an under-17 World Cup, won in 2025, by Portugal: “By the way, not much has changed for me. It may have changed the way people look at me, the recognition, the recognition that, perhaps, the club gives and the visibility we have in the world of football. But, in itself, in life, on a daily basis, not much has changed.”
Miguel Figueiredo “always has his eyes on Benfica’s A team”
Finally, Miguel Figueiredo set the tone for what lies ahead: “I’m trying to evolve, do my best and I think that, when the moment comes, the opportunity will come again and I’ll try to focus on seizing it. I’m more focused on the day to day, on evolving in the context in which I’m inserted, always with my eyes on the A team”.
“I don’t think like that about what will be perfect. I focus on evolving, I’m in the context in which I’m inserted and I’ll do my best to evolve. If I get a few games or a few minutes on team A, whatever, perfect. If not, I’ll also continue to evolve on team B, doing my best, because the greatest pride is really representing this club”, he concluded.
