Benfica Partners with Malut United, Reveals the Key to Developing Players Like Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix

Malut United has officially partnered with Benfica to develop the Merah Putih Academy in Ternate.

The collaboration was announced during the 33rd week of the 2025-2026 Super League match between Malut United and Persita at the Gelora Kie Raha Stadium, Saturday (16/5/2026).

Through this collaboration, Malut United will gain access to Benfica’s academy methodology.

The Portuguese academy is known as the place where many top European players have developed.

Some of the academy’s alumni include Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, and Goncalo Ramos.

In October, The CIES Football Observatory ranked Benfica as the club with the best academy in the world.

A Benfica representative explained that the participants of the Merah Putih Academy will receive direct guidance from Benfica coaches.

The coaching team will also come to Ternate to select young players.

“We are bringing Benfica’s philosophy and are happy to spread this philosophy,” said Lourenco dos Reis Ferreira at a press conference in Ternate, Friday (15/5/2026).

“Malut United is starting this project at the best age for children, which is 7-9 years old.”

According to Lourenco, the main goal of the project is to help the development of young players in the Maluku Utara region through Benfica’s coaching methods.

“The goal of this project is to strengthen the youth community in this region with the best academy methodology in the world.”

Benfica’s International Technical Coordinator, Davide da Rocha Gomes, explained that young player talent can emerge anywhere.