Carole Costa ‘to move’ to Saudi Arabia after Benfica exit | OneFootball

Carole Costa has left Benfica's women's side after declining a new contract, and is expected to move to Saudi Arabia.

Record reports that the Portugal international will depart European football, with her next club yet to be announced.

The 36-year-old centre-back previously played in Germany for Essen, Duisburg and Cloppenburg. She returned to Portugal in 2017 with Sporting, then signed for Benfica in 2020.

At the Estádio da Luz she became a cornerstone of the women's project, taking on leadership duties on and off the pitch.

In 2025/26 she made 26 appearances, scored 11 goals and provided one assist.

A member of the captains' group, she featured in all six consecutive national championship wins from 2020/21 to 2025/26. In a farewell note, Benfica praised her competitive character and ambition, and said the professional bond has ended but their shared story endures, before thanking her.

Source: Glorioso 1904