João Noronha Lopes
September 2025
Benfica presidential frontrunner João Noronha Lopes said he didn’t meet Man United coach Rúben Amorim in Manchester, but declared Amorim would coach Benfica “one day.” He attended the derby with aides while preparing plans for the club’s future. It’s a political nod without tapping up, respect current contracts while signaling ambition. If Lopes wins, expect strategic courting later, contingent on Amorim’s United trajectory. For now, Benfica stays publicly proper; privately, succession lists are curated.