Benfica women’s futsal ‘to lose’ two stalwarts as squad rebuild begins | OneFootball

Benfica’s women’s futsal side are expected to lose goalkeeper Maria Inês and winger Raquel Santos this summer, following captain Inês Fernandes’s departure, as a wider refresh begins.

According to Record, Benfica have started succession planning, with key options already identified. Nineteen-year-old Simone Pedroso, currently with the under-19s, is earmarked to step up in 2026/27 as third-choice alongside Ana Catarina Pereira, while the club weigh an international signing to replace Santos, likely from within Europe.

Maria Inês, 22, is a homegrown product who joined the under-15s in 2015/16 and made her senior debut in 2020/21. She has won 14 trophies, including four league titles and four Portuguese Cups, plus three League Cups and three Super Cups.

Santos arrived in 2016/17, progressed through the under-19s and the B team, and established herself in 2018/19. Her honours include eight league titles, eight Portuguese Cups, six Super Cups and three League Cups.

The overhaul extends to the bench. Maria Martins will take charge after arriving from Atlético, succeeding Paulinho Roxo and leading the champions into a new phase after another successful season.

Source: Glorioso 1904