Sport Lisboa e Benfica
As someone who thrives on designing for communities that wear their heart on their sleeve — this one felt electric. In 2023, I teamed up with Millinsky to design official brand merchandise for the iconic Portuguese football club, S.L. Benfica. With a fanbase that’s more a global movement than a local team, this wasn’t just merch. It was a badge of belonging.
Capturing the Spirit of “O Glorioso”
Our goal was to honour Benfica's rich legacy while creating designs that felt fresh and fan-forward. I focused on custom illustrations and typographic treatments that drew directly from the club’s history and iconography.
Some of the core elements I crafted:
- A minimalist illustration of Estádio da Luz, their legendary home stadium
- A stylised version of their emblematic eagle, which is central to their identity
- A bold typographic lock-up of their nickname — “O Glorioso”
We wove in famous slogans and chants like:
- "Ser Benfiquista"
- "E Pluribus Unum"
- "Carrega Benfica"
Each one chosen to stir emotion, pride, and nostalgia.
Designed for the Devoted
This wasn’t just about aesthetics — it was about emotional resonance. We wanted these pieces to feel like modern heirlooms. Something you could wear at a match, pass down, or hang in a frame.
Every shirt, hoodie, and graphic was created for the fans — not just to celebrate Benfica’s legacy, but to carry it forward.
More Than Just Design
Designing for Benfica wasn’t about trend or flair — it was about building something that echoed decades of legacy and lived on through the supporters. Every detail, from the illustrated falcon to the words “O Glorioso,” was crafted with deep respect for the passion this club inspires. It reminded me that the most powerful design work doesn’t always scream; sometimes, it chants along with 65,000 voices in a stadium.