Official! Benfica sign left-footed goalkeeper for 2026/27 | OneFootball

Benfica have officially signed Afonso Roxo, a 17-year-old goalkeeper, who arrives from Académica to join the under-18 team. After representing the Coimbra club over the last two seasons, the left-handed shot-stopper explained that the decision to move to Luz was immediate.

"After a game, they called me here and I came to see the academy facilities. I thought it was incredible and I didn’t think about anything else. I just wanted to come here," he revealed in comments to BTV. Clearly delighted with this new challenge, Afonso Roxo believes the transfer represents an important step in his career.

"I feel very happy to have arrived here. It’s a big step for me," said the young goalkeeper, who described himself as a "calm and reliable" player. As for his goals at this new stage, Benfica’s new signing says he intends to keep improving and working to reach the highest level.

"My goal is to play, to develop as a player and as a person, to keep progressing and make my debut for the first team. I’m a player who works very hard. I really like to work and improve. And that, above all, is what it means to represent Benfica," he stressed.

Before returning to Académica, the club he represented again over the last two seasons, Afonso Roxo also played for Casaense, Ançã, Red Eagle Sports and Vigor Mocidade. In the 2025/26 season, he played 24 matches, performances that have now earned him the opportunity to wear the Benfica shirt.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.