The Benfica eagle has landed in America: Portuguese Giants to open Benfica Residential Academy, the world’s premier soccer academy in Florida.

Benfica’s top academy in the world, according to CIES Football Observatory, will provide comprehensive development of youth players at the Saint Leo University campus, using a proven approach of balanced athletic and academic excellence

SAINT LEO, FL - SL Benfica and Saint Leo University have announced the creation of the new Benfica Residential Academy (Benfica RA), to develop youth players for the highest competitive levels in the world. The top world soccer academy, according to CIES Observatory, will be opening its doors in August 2024 for tryouts, and launched in August 2025 for the first academic year. The young student athletes at Benfica RA will train using proven coaching methodology and individualized development plans that include nutrition, education, and a social focus on human values.

Located on the 297-acre Saint Leo University campus, the Benfica RA will utilize the university’s six soccer fields (some built specifically for this project), a 59,000 square-foot wellness center, and resort-style facilities. Partnering with one of the best private high schools in the area will also allow Benfica RA student athletes (coeducational, grades 9-12) to benefit from five academic levels including numerous advanced placement courses on the university campus and a 100% high school graduation rate and 100% college acceptance rate.

The partnership with Saint Leo University will include an exclusive Benfica RA area designed to integrate top-tier education with high-performance training. This initiative, inspired by the Benfica Campus in Portugal, will not only cultivate future soccer stars but also well-rounded individuals prepared for life, sports, and opportunities in college or professional soccer.

“Our partnership with Benfica Residential Academy builds upon the university’s mission of helping learners of all ages grow in mind, body, and spirit,” said Dr. Ed Dadez, president of Saint Leo University. “Student-athletes from the United States and across the globe will enjoy our beautiful lakefront campus. They will engage in entertaining student activities, partner with student mentors, refuel in our dining facilities, and access other amenities that will add to their experience.”

Featuring recent standouts such as Manchester City’s Rúben Dias and Bernardo Silva, as well as Atlético de Madrid’s João Felix, who were products of the Benfica youth system, the Benfica RA will welcome student athletes from around the world and provide visa assistance as well as scholarships.

"The opening of the Benfica Residential Academy in the United States represents a significant milestone in our mission to nurture and develop football talent globally. We are excited to bring our proven methodologies and commitment to excellence to young athletes in America, providing them with unparalleled opportunities both on and off the field," said Bernardo Faria de Carvalho, SL Benfica’s International Expansion Chief Executive.

With technical partnerships spread out across the globe and with a high level of success in countries such as China, India, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the UAE, the main mission of the Benfica RA is to lead in youth football development by providing multiple professional and academic pathways. By combining Benfica’s renowned training methodologies with top-tier education, the academy aims to create an environment that fosters both athletic and personal growth, preparing student athletes for success in football and beyond. In the 2023/24 season alone, Benfica methodology was implemented in more than 21 countries across the world to more than 16,000 young players from 48 different nationalities. 

To learn more about the Benfica Residential Academy visit www.benficaresidentialacademy.com

About SL Benfica

Founded in 1904, SL Benfica has won 86 trophies, including 38 Portuguese championships and 2 European Cups. With more than 290,000 club members and over 50 million fans worldwide, SL Benfica has invested more than $700 million in players over the past decade alone. Recognized globally, with youth accolades including the 2022 UEFA Youth League and U20 Intercontinental Youth Cup, and named the Best Academy in 2015 and 2019.

Benfica Campus is considered the largest academy in the world, having won three Global Soccer Awards and ranked as the ‘most profitable academy in the world’ by the CIES Football Observatory, with €516 million in revenue just from talent trained in the last 10 years alone.

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About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a Catholic Benedictine university dedicated to helping learners of all backgrounds and ages gain the competence and courage to be more. Offering more than 60 degree programs to more than 14,190 students each year, the nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education in the liberal arts tradition and a community of belonging for those who seek a greater purpose in life. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a campus in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, regional education centers, and several online programs. The university is home to more than 104,000 alumni. Learn more at https://www.saintleo.edu.

Sizzle video link is here.

Let’s emphasis that we are actively recruiting female players as well as male.

Let’s emphasis that we work with agents around the world to find the best and brightest talent.

We also provide visa assistance and scholarships.

Along with being the best soccer academy we offer a private school education.

The focus is not exclusively on training but also on education, so the academic performance of every student athlete is monitored and encouraged at all levels. Benfica Residential Academy ensures a robust academic curriculum for all student athletes with a 100% high school graduation rate and 100% college acceptance rate. Student athletes can also take advantage of five academic levels including Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Honors, College Prep 2, College Prep 1, and ACCESS. Advanced Placement subjects include Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry, English, European History, Spanish Language, U.S. History, and U.S. Government and Politics. Student visa assistance and scholarships are available.