Goa is taking significant strides toward enhancing its football landscape by initiating discussions with Portugal’s most successful club, SL Benfica, to establish a state-of-the-art football academy. This collaboration aims to bridge the talent gap and produce top-quality footballers, reinforcing Goa’s position as India’s footballing hub.
Goa’s sports minister, Govind Gaude, currently leading a delegation to Portugal, visited Benfica’s world-renowned academy and engaged in discussions with the club’s international global expansion coordinator, Miguel Reis. Gaude also extended an invitation to Benfica’s management to visit Goa and assess the possibilities of this partnership.
Strengthening Goa’s Football Ecosystem
Acknowledging the need for an advanced training setup, Gaude highlighted the state’s shortcomings in nurturing elite players despite significant government investment. “Benfica has one of the world’s best football academies, top-class infrastructure, and when it comes to producing young talent, they are unbeatable,” he told TOI.
The state has been actively promoting football, with the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) overseeing grassroots initiatives across nearly 100 locations. However, the results have not matched expectations, particularly in national-level tournaments like Khelo India. “In Goa, the government is spending a lot of money but there are no results. We are falling short. With Benfica’s guidance, we can set up an academy or a centre of excellence like Khelo India, where their coaches and assistants can provide us with the cutting edge,” Gaude added.
Benfica’s Legacy in Talent Development
Benfica is a footballing powerhouse with a storied history, having won 81 titles and ranked eighth among Europe’s most successful clubs by UEFA. The club enjoyed a golden era in the early 1960s, clinching back-to-back European Cups with the legendary Eusebio leading the charge. Even in recent years, Benfica has been a formidable force in European competitions, advancing deep into the UEFA Champions League.
Beyond its on-field success, Benfica operates one of the most profitable and well-structured football academies globally. The training facility boasts nine grounds, 86 residential rooms, and three gymnasiums, ensuring world-class development for young talents. Notable graduates from Benfica’s youth setup include Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Joao Cancelo (Al Hilal), Joao Neves, Renato Sanches, Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Joao Felix (AC Milan), and Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
A Strategic Move for Goa’s Football Future
Goa holds a unique distinction as the only Indian state to have declared football its official sport. The passion for the game is deeply embedded in its culture, with widespread participation at the grassroots level. However, the lack of structured training and international exposure has hindered the development of top-tier talent.
“Everyone in Goa knows about football, there is massive awareness. Football is prevalent in every nook and cranny of the state. But when it comes to producing top talent, we are found wanting. We have the infrastructure, what we need is technical guidance and support. I saw the Benfica campus. It’s definitely one of the world’s best. I need to take the chief minister into confidence and take this forward,” Gaude emphasized.
A Historic Connection Revisited
Benfica’s association with Goa dates back to the pre-Liberation era when the Portuguese club became the last foreign team to play friendlies in the state. During the summer of 1960, Benfica’s squad arrived in Goa, winning all three matches against Military Selection (2-1), Goa (4-0), and Goa Selection (1-0).
The visit was seen as a potential gateway for Goan champions to compete in Portugal’s Taca tournament, which featured teams from Portuguese colonies. Benfica’s then-director, Alfred Valveira, expressed hope that the trip would strengthen ties between Goan football and Portugal’s professional leagues. However, with Goa’s liberation in 1961, the dream of international exposure was never realized.
This renewed collaboration with Benfica could mark a turning point in Goa’s footballing journey. By leveraging Benfica’s expertise, Goa aims to create a structured pathway for young players to transition from grassroots to professional levels. With proper coaching, infrastructure, and international exposure, this partnership could elevate Goan football to new heights, ensuring sustained success on both national and international stages.
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