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So How Did We End Up Here? Benfica, of course!
Hey, everyone --- I just want to provide you all with a little context on where the idea for Um Benfiquista Americano came from before we get started with some great Benfica content over the course of the 2020/2021 season and for many seasons to come!
As a huge Benfica fan (aka a 'Benfiquista', for those of you who are new around here), I have always wanted to stay updated with the latest news about the club. Growing up in Southeastern Massachusetts in a Portuguese family, soccer was always a sport that I loved. Through family, I became a Benfiquista and loved to hear about how the club was doing. When I was younger, I used to stay updated by talking with my uncle (Tio José), who was one of the reasons for my love for Benfica. He would always tell me about how the club was doing and he would quiz me about recent matches as I got older. Until about 2009/2010, that was the only way I was able to get my Benfica fix.
Following Benfica in the US
Ironically enough, Jorge Jesus´s first year in command of 'Os Encarnados' was the first year I was truly able to follow Benfica, albeit only via a mobile app...and my Tio José. I had several sports websites and apps that I would use to check in on Benfica every few weeks, but this was my main source of Benfica news.
Over the last decade or so, the increase in American television partnerships with European competitions, like the Premier League, Europa League, and Champions League, has also made things much easier. As Benfica is always competing in European competitions, I was able to stay in the loop with all things Benfica. In some American TV packages, you can even subscribe to Benfica TV, which gives you access to (almost) all things Benfica - games for the club at all youth and professional levels (except if the games are not played at home).
Don't Speak Portuguese? No problem.
Aside from this, there are other methods to staying tuned to Benfica games, such as the radio (shoutout to WFJD 97.3 in the Boston area). However, for a fan that does not speak portuguese, I realized it can be extremely difficult to hear about how the boys did during their most recent match. Twitter is one avenue that an english-speaking Benfiquista can go to for Benfica news, as there are a handful of accounts that do a great job of reporting on all things Benfica. Even if you do follow any of these accounts, it can still be very difficult to get an in-depth, honest status report of the most recent match.
That's why we started 'Um Benfiquista Americano.' For all Benfica fans that do not speak portuguese, especially those in the United States and Canada, we are here to provide you with detailed breakdowns of everything happening over in Lisbon with our Benfica. From weekly previews on upcoming matches to in-depth analyses after every match, Um Benfiquista Americano will be doing everything we can to keep you as informed as my Tio José.
Hope you all enjoy - Benfica para sempre!!! (Benfica Forever!!!)
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