Official! Andreas Samaris returns to Benfica | OneFootball

Benfica announced this Sunday the technical structure of its academy for the 2026/27 season, with the main highlight being the return of Andreas Samaris to the club. The former Benfica midfielder will be the new coach of the under-16 team.

In the statement published on its official website, Benfica highlighted the career of the former Greek international and his new stage in football: "He returns to Benfica to join the club’s coaching staff, after a seven-season spell in which he wore the sacred shirt and won eight titles. He ended his professional football playing career in 2023 and committed himself to coach education, currently holding a UEFA B licence."

After bringing his playing career to an end, Andreas Samaris began his journey as a coach and started attending the UEFA B+A course last May. With this return to Luz, the former number 22 officially begins his career on the touchline.

In addition to the arrival of Samaris, Benfica also confirmed several changes in the academy structure. João Rodrigues was promoted from the under-15 team to the under-17s, replacing Pedro Faria, who left the club to take charge of Torreense’s under-23 side. Meanwhile, Rui Silva, who coached the under-16s last season, will now take charge of the under-15 team.

In the remaining age groups closest to the first team, Benfica opted for continuity. Luís Araújo remains in charge of the under-19s, Vítor Vinha will continue coaching the under-23s, and Nélson Veríssimo remains as coach of the B team.

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