Portuguese coach Marco Silva has been appointed as the new head coach of SL Benfica, bringing an end to his tenure at Fulham FC and marking his return to Portuguese football after a decade away.
The managerial switch was finalized after Silva agreed to a contract that will keep him at Benfica until June 2028, with an option to extend the deal by a further year until 2029.
Reports indicate that the 48-year-old accepted a reduced salary in order to take charge of the Portuguese giants and pursue domestic and European honours with the Lisbon-based club.
Silva’s appointment comes following a recruitment process led by Benfica president Rui Costa and sporting director Mário Branco, who have identified him as the ideal candidate to lead the club into a new era.
The move also reunites Silva with Branco, with the pair having previously worked together at Estoril Praia more than a decade ago during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
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Silva returns to Portugal after spending the last ten years abroad, managing clubs across Greece and England.
His spell at Fulham earned widespread praise, with the London side establishing itself as a competitive Premier League outfit under his leadership.
At Benfica, expectations will be significantly higher, with the club targeting league titles, domestic trophies and a strong run in European competitions.
The appointment is one of several major managerial changes across European football this summer, with Benfica moving quickly to secure Silva’s services as they prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.
His arrival is expected to usher in a new chapter for the Eagles, who are banking on his experience and tactical expertise to restore the club to the summit of Portuguese football and challenge on the continental stage.