VIDEO: Benfica President Rui Costa Visibly Moved During Final Campaign Rally
Santarém, Portugal – Benfica President Rui Costa concluded his re-election campaign Friday with a rally in Santarém, becoming visibly emotional as he spoke about the personal significance of leading the storied Portuguese football club. A video capturing the moment, now circulating widely on social media, shows Costa pausing and struggling to speak while acknowledging the support of his family.
The rally, attended by several dozen Benfica supporters including former teammate Pedro Mantorras, took on a deeply personal tone when Costa recounted informing his parents, wife, and son of his intention to run for the presidency. The emotional display underscores the weight of the position and the profound connection Costa feels to both the club and his family. Costa is seeking to continue his leadership after a four-year term, promising to restore the club to its conventional values.
“My parents insisted on being here with me today, along with my wife and my son, and perhaps only they can explain what it was like for me to come home and tell them: ‘In a little while I will be president of Benfica,'” Costa said, his voice choked with emotion.
He further emphasized the immense obligation of representing BenficaS passionate fanbase. “It’s one of the most difficult roles you can have,” Costa stated. “I knew the responsibilities I was going to have and I knew I wasn’t a toy. I was going to be president of millions and millions of lovers. After four years, we returned to our club those that have always been our parchments.”
While one son was unable to attend, Costa’s father, mother, wife, and another son were present to witness the culmination of the campaign. The election results are expected to be announced shortly, determining whether Costa will continue to lead one of Portugal’s most iconic sporting institutions.
