Samuel Soares

Samuel Soares's route into Benfica's first team came through someone else's crisis. In the 2023/24 season, after a run of errors from goalkeeper Vlachodimos and a falling-out between the Greek and coach Roger Schmidt, Soares was handed the gloves. He started three matches in a row at the beginning of that campaign, kept clean sheets in two of them, and collected a Portuguese Super Cup winner's medal that same season.

Soares is a product of Benfica's academy, having joined the club's youth system after starting out at União de Tires. He was capped for Portugal at every youth level up to under-21, and one result from his junior years stands out: he helped the team win the UEFA Youth League, beating Red Bull Salzburg 6-0 in the final.

His path to the top flight ran through Benfica B, where he made his debut in August 2021 against Nacional. He was named LigaPro's goalkeeper of the month for October and November 2022. Benfica rewarded him with a professional contract that October, tying him to the club until 2027.

Since breaking into the first team, Soares has added a Primeira Liga title, the Cup of Portugal and the League Cup to his collection of honours.