João Palhinha was Benfica's most important signing for the 2026/27 season. The defensive midfielder arrived, started playing and quickly gained space both in the team and in the red locker room.
Álvaro Magalhães, a former left-back who captained the eagles on two occasions during his career, against Belenenses and Académica, commented on the possibility of Palhinha wearing the captain's armband.
In an interview with newspaper O Jogo, Álvaro Magalhães revealed that he knew captains at Benfica whom he considers to have been a disgrace and who were chosen "by coin toss". Without naming names, he stated that often whoever wears the armband does not have the capacity to do so.
He praised Palhinha, however, considering that the player has a very marked personality, is a leader both on and off the pitch and is very well-mannered. Álvaro Magalhães is well acquainted with the player's family and argues that Palhinha can be seen as a "captain without the armband" at Benfica, adding that captains are frequently chosen simply for having more years at the club.
