Official! Box-to-box star extends with Benfica until 2029 | OneFootball

Matilde Matos took another important step in her career by signing a professional contract with Benfica until 2029. The 16-year-old player will join the women’s first team for pre-season in 2026/27, working under the six-time national champions.

Considered one of the biggest prospects to come through Benfica’s academy, the box-to-box midfielder has represented Benfica since 2018 and sees this new deal as recognition for the path she has taken: "Above all, I want to make the most of every season, because a footballer’s career does not last forever. The important thing is to keep working hard, because I believe the future will be bright", she said.

she always dreamed of wearing the shirt of the Club of Light, admitting that signing her first professional contract represents the fulfillment of a childhood goal.

"It was something that was instilled in me from a very young age. My dream was always to play for Benfica, and being able to sign this contract is a dream come true", she confessed. An international for Portugal’s youth teams at Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level, Matilde Matos sees this new stage as another moment of growth, both on and off the pitch.

"The most important thing is to keep evolving as a person and as a player, on and off the pitch, making the most of every opportunity that comes my way", she highlighted. The young midfielder also gave a very positive assessment of her years in Benfica’s academy, underlining the progress she has felt since arriving at Benfica. Meanwhile, Lena Pauels is on her way out.

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