Benfica is an undisputed Portuguese giant who have proved their historical superiority in the domestic league by lifting the title 38 times; more times than any of the other distinguished names in the “Big Three”, FC Porto (30), and Sporting CP (20). Besides that, their youth academy is highly regarded as one of the best in world football with a track record of churning out top talents like João Félix, Rúben Dias, and Bernardo Silva.

But while Benfica are one of the big favourites to win in Portugal every year, are they similarly expected to clinch any silverware in Europe? The Lisbon club were European Cup winners in 1961 and 1962, breaking the overbearing dominance of Spanish giants Real Madrid in style. However, they haven’t lifted any other European trophies since. Meanwhile, eternal rivals Porto have enjoyed significant success in Europe, including winning the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup/Europa League.

For many superstitious observers, Benfica’s misfortune at missing continental glory by a whisker – losing no fewer than eight finals over the last six decades – could only be the result of one thing: Béla Guttmann placing a curse on the Portuguese team. 

With excitement building ahead of the fast approaching 2024 European Championship, it’s time to take a trip back in time and relive a tournament that was a precursor to the golden era of the modern-day Seleção.

There was a palpable feeling that something exciting was brewing in Portuguese football after the magnificent double conquest of the World Youth Cup by Carlos Queiroz’s Portugal team in 1989 and 1991. 

While the Primeira Liga may not have the same reputation as the English Premier League or Spanish La Liga, many outstanding teams participate in the league and Portuguese football has a rich, proud and brilliant history.

Younger fans worldwide may know about the Primeira Liga more for the production line of exceptional talents who go on to shine in more prestigious leagues, or foreign players who arrive at Portugal’s top clubs from South America, with the likes of Benfica, Porto, and Sporting usually battling it out to be crowned champions.

But there is a great tradition of goalscoring in the Primeira Liga, with several world-class players lighting up the league for many years. Below is a rundown of the top five goalscorers in the history of the Portuguese Primeira Liga. 

The first week of April promises to be a crunch week in the domestic season in Portugal as Lisbon giants Benfica and Sporting go head-to-head twice in five days.

On Tuesday 2 April a berth in the Portuguese Cup final will be decided with the second leg of the semi-final at the Estádio da Luz. Sporting lead 2-1 from the first leg.

Then on Saturday 6 April, the Estádio José Alvalade will be the scene of potentially the 2023/24 Portuguese Liga title decider as Sporting host their rivals from down the road.