No Champions League makes Rafa Silva cheaper for Benfica | OneFootball

By finishing third in the Liga Portugal Betclic, Benfica has been denied a place in the next edition of the Champions League, which will mean a substantial cut in revenue. However, the absence from Europe’s most lucrative competition, on the other hand, ends up benefiting the club from Luz when it comes to Rafa Silva.

According to Fanatik, Benfica will not have to pay around €2 million to Besiktas, the club from which the Eagles signed the Portuguese international. Based on what the Turkish newspaper reported, the Eagles had agreed to pay that bonus if they qualified for the Champions League, which did not happen.

It should be remembered that the Portuguese footballer, who turned 33 last Sunday, May 17, cost the Eagles’ coffers around €5 million. In addition to the amount paid by Rui Costa’s board, the Reds had also agreed to the bonus that will not be triggered, since Benfica will not be taking part in the Champions League.

On the other hand, the absence from Europe’s top club competition will mean a drastic change in Benfica’s revenue in 2026/27. While in the Champions League the club from Luz earned around €53.1 million this season, next year, even if they go on to win the Europa League, they will only collect a figure close to €32.66 million.

In the 2025/26 season, playing for Benfica, Rafa Silva - valued at €6 million - made 18 official appearances: 16 in Liga Portugal Betclic and two in the Champions League. In the 1,084 minutes he was on the pitch, the 33-year-old forward scored six goals.

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