Carole Costa to leave Benfica after six seasons, departs on a free | OneFootball

Benfica said in a statement that Carole Costa will depart on a free when her contract expires on 30 June, ending a six-season spell after declining a renewal offer.

Portugal's most-capped women's international, 36, has been part of the captains' group and a central figure in the club's most successful era.

She was one of six players to feature across all six consecutive league titles from 2020/21 to 2025/26.

Costa also lifted two Taças de Portugal, five Taças da Liga and two Supertaças for Benfica.

She joined for 2020/21 after three seasons at Sporting and seven in German football, and was born in Braga.

Across her spell she made 188 appearances and scored 35 goals. Last season she hit 10 in the league, finishing as the competition's joint top scorer alongside Malu Schmidt of Braga.

The farewell note highlighted her competitive edge and ambition, and her role in a legacy that has helped to transform women's football in Portugal, before ending with a simple thank you.

Source: Glorioso 1904