Factory of Dreams: Benfica

6.7

2022•26m

Benfica, one of the elite teams in European football, also has one of the most advanced and respected academies in the world, producing world-class talent every year. This series goes behind the scenes of Benfica's modern training facilities, discovering, first-hand, the challenges that these young players face during a complete season.

Production

Seasons

4 Episodes • Premiered 2022

1. The initiation

A new season begins at Benfica Campus, where elite soccer dreams can come true. Young Under-13 Tiago Rodrigues starts his adventure, António Silva and Henrique Araújo are working hard to get their opportunities at the senior level.

2. Training the Benfica way

What are the methods behind the training of these football talents, the secret of Benfica's success? Tiago Rodrigues learns about the 'out of the box' activities at Benfica Campus as António Silva and Henrique Araújo compete in the coveted UEFA Youth League. The Benfica Campus coaching staff reveal some of their revolutionary approaches to training, playing and... dancing.

3. The "Scout"

The Under-19s have successfully qualified for the final round of the UEFA Youth League and their adventure in Nyon is just beginning. As they play the semi-finals, we return to the Benfica Campus, where we find out where these young talents come from and how they are identified across the country. Is talent enough to make it to the top?

4. Making It

For the fourth time in the competition's history, Benfica have qualified for the UEFA Youth League final. Henrique Araújo is called upon to help the team after a dramatic semi-final victory against Juventus. The under-19s are ready to try and win this competition for the first time in their history, but before that they have to face previous winners Red Bull Salzburg.