Strategic Partnership: FC Tokyo and SL Benfica Elevate Soccer Development
🔳 Purpose and details of the partnership
The partnership will promote the sharing of best practices, knowledge, resources and personnel exchanges between the two clubs. This partnership will add new perspectives, analysis and new standards to FC Tokyo's talent identification and development environment. It will also create an experience of playing in Portugal for talented players, not only from the academy but also for young players from the first team. The partnership will also share SL Benfica's expertise throughout the football department through visits to Japan several times a year, with the aim of expanding opportunities to identify and develop the next generation of talent, as well as developing the football side of the club as a whole, including strengthening and the football business.
A Milestone Collaboration
FC Tokyo has proudly announced a strategic partnership with SL Benfica, one of the top clubs in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. This collaboration aims to strengthen both clubs' technical capabilities while fostering youth development and talent exchange.
Partnership Goals
The partnership emphasizes:
Knowledge Sharing: Transfer of best practices and resources between both clubs.
Player Development: Introducing new methods to enhance FC Tokyo's talent identification and development ecosystem.
Global Exposure: Creating opportunities for academy and young first-team players to gain experience in Portugal.
Strategic Expertise: Leveraging Benfica’s technical knowledge to strengthen FC Tokyo’s operations and football business.
SL Benfica's technical consultants will visit Japan regularly, contributing to both football development and business growth strategies at FC Tokyo.
Why SL Benfica?
Founded in 1904, SL Benfica is a global powerhouse in player development and European competition.
European Legacy: 2-time UEFA Champions League winners and 8-time runners-up.
Domestic Success: Record 38 league titles and 26 domestic cups.
Historical Impact: Ranked 9th in the "Best Clubs of the 20th Century" by IFFHS.
Insights from Leaders
Miguel Reis, SL Benfica Global Expansion Coordinator:
“FC Tokyo’s ambition and academy structure align perfectly with our values. This partnership is built on a shared commitment to talent development.”Shigeya Kawagishi, FC Tokyo President:
“This partnership brings immense value to our players and strengthens our scouting and recruitment. Together, we aim to redefine player development standards in Japan.”Kojo Obara, FC Tokyo GM:
“By learning from Benfica’s market insights and successful transfer strategies, we hope to improve not only on-field performance but also club profitability.”
The Road Ahead
This partnership positions FC Tokyo as a benchmark club in Japan, unlocking new opportunities in talent nurturing, team building, and financial growth. Together, FC Tokyo and SL Benfica are set to redefine global standards in football development.