Official! Benfica sign striker from Braga | OneFootball

It’s official. Benfica have secured the signing of Duarte Melo, a forward just 14 years old, who arrives at the Club from Braga. The young attacker is preparing to join the Eagles’ academy setup after three seasons serving the Minho side.

The player will join the Under-15 Iniciados squad, in a move that reflects the Eagles’ belief in a player who stood out for his attacking output last season. In 2025/26, playing for the Minho side’s Iniciados team, the young forward featured in 23 matches and scored 12 goals.

The move to Luz therefore represents another step in a journey that began closely linked to the red world. Before moving to Braga, he took his first steps in football at the Benfica Football School in Braga, in partnership with the club’s partner Evolution Soccer Academy.

The forward now returns to the red world to continue his development through the youth ranks. At 14 years old, Duarte Melo is another of the Eagles’ young bets for the future, after a season in which he showed particular efficiency in attack.

Benfica, therefore, continue to invest heavily in youth development. Recently, the Club confirmed that Santiago Alves will continue wearing the Eagle on his chest. The midfielder, just 14 years old, signed a youth contract with Benfica, strengthening his bond with a Club he has represented throughout his short career.

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