In the heart of Lisbon, on a crisp February day more than a century ago, a group of football-obsessed youth gathered with a dream—to create a club that would carry their passion across generations. That spark gave birth to one of Europe’s most historic institutions. So, when was Benfica founded? The answer takes us back to 28 February 1904, when the club was established under the name Sport Lisboa. Over time, merging with another local group, it evolved into today’s powerhouse Sport Lisboa e Benfica.
In this article, ChrisGoal will take you on a journey through the early days of Benfica, the key milestones of its evolution, historic records and legends, and why the founding date still resonates deeply with fans around the world.
Origins and Foundation: The Birth of Sport Lisboa
The roots of Benfica lie in the district of Belém, Lisbon. On the morning of 28 February 1904, a training session brought together a dozen or so football enthusiasts, mostly young men and former students, who shared a love for the game. Later that day, those same individuals convened at the nearby Farmácia Franco, a small pharmacy that became the symbolic birthplace of the club. In that gathering—attended by 24 people—the decision was made to officially form Sport Lisboa.
At the founding meeting, officers were appointed: José Rosa Rodrigues as president, Daniel dos Santos Brito as secretary, and Manuel Gourlade as treasurer. The group also selected the club’s colours (red and white), crest elements (including the eagle), and motto “E pluribus unum”—“Out of many, one.” This foundation laid the emotional and symbolic DNA that lives on.
Interestingly, only a few years later (in 1908), the club merged with Grupo Sport Benfica, adopting the combined name Sport Lisboa e Benfica. The merger enabled broader resources, new grounds, and a more solid platform for growth.
This foundational narrative remains a cornerstone of Benfica’s identity—fans still celebrate 28 February 1904 as the day their club was born.
Early Decades: From Struggling Field to National Force
Struggles and first matches
In its early years, Sport Lisboa faced tough conditions. The club lacked a pro. Its first official match was held on 1 January 1905, a symbolic start to its sporting life, and the club scored its first goal that same day.
Financial and logistical difficulties almost crippled the club—and in 1907, a group of eight members even left to join Sporting CP, sparking one of Portuguese football’s oldest rivalries.
Rise to dominance
Despite the rough start, Benfica persisted. By 1934, when the Primeira Liga (Portuguese national league) was officially formed, Benfica was ready to make its mark. Within just a few seasons, Benfica asserted itself as a dominant force, winning its first league titles in the mid-1930s and cementing its place among the “Big Three” of Portuguese football.
By mid-20th century, Benfica had already secured multiple league titles and national cups. The club’s infrastructure, fan base, and ambitions expanded, and a golden era awaited in the decades ahead.
Golden Era and Expansion: Records, Legends, and Legacy
When we speak of Benfica’s glory years, the 1960s are central. Under coach Béla Guttmann, and powered by stars such as Eusébio, Benfica won back-to-back **European Cups (1961, 1962)**—a feat unmatched by any other Portuguese club. On the domestic front, the club collected league and cup victories with frequency.
Over time, Benfica became Portugal’s most successful club in terms of silverware. As of recent seasons, Benfica has earned:
- 38 Primeira Liga titles
- 26 Taça de Portugal
- Multiple Su. The founding date is not just ceremonial—it marks the beginning of a century-plus pursuit of sporting greatness.
Legacy of the Founding Date: Symbolism and Culture
Why “28 February 1904” still matters
For Benfica, the founding date is sacred. It’s printed on official club insignia, celebrated annually by supporters, and used as a reference point for branding and identity. That early meeting at Farmácia Franco is more than a historical footnote—it anchors the club’s ethos: unity, perseverance, and ambition.
Emblem, motto and colours
The choice of red and white, the eagle atop the crest, and the motto “E pluribus unum” all stem, has become an enduring symbol—representing independence, authority, and a soaring spirit. To Benfica fans, these aren’t decorative trappings but living traditions.
Connection to modern identity
More than 120 years later, that founding spirit guides Benfica in its modern endeavors—youth academy development, European ambitions, and community engagement., the date 28 February 1904 remains a rallying point for benfiquistas everywhere.
Quick Facts: Founding and Early History
| Aspect | Detail |
| Official founding date | 28 February 1904 |
| Original name | Sport Lisboa |
| Merger and renamed | 1908, merged with Grupo Sport Benfica → Sport Lisboa e Benfica |
| Founding meeting location | Farmácia Franco, Belém, Lisbon |
| Number of attendees at founding meeting | 24 |
| Club colours chosen | Red and white |
| Crest elements decided | Eagle, football, motto “E pluribus unum” |
These core facts anchor our understanding of Benfica’s origin and early years.
Conclusion
When was Benfica founded? The answer—28 February 1904—is more than a date on a calendar. It’s the moment when passionate football lovers in Lisbon breathed life into a club that would carry their dreams forward across decades. From that first meeting at a small pharmacy in Belém to European finals at the Estádio da Luz, Benfica’s journey reflects resilience, ambition, and deep symbolic roots.
In this article, ChrisGoal has guided you through the founding, early challenges, golden achievements, and the enduring legacy of Benfica’s identity. If you enjoyed this dive into Benfica history, stay tuned to ChrisGoal for player profiles, match analysis, transfer rumors, and deep explorations into clubs you love.
