MLS
FC Dallas forge strategic alliance with Portuguese giants
The side from Texas are the latest MLS team to create a partnership as they seal a new talent development partner initiative with Benfica.
Chicago Fire with Bayern Munich, Atlanta United and Scottish side Aberdeen, LAFC and Grasshoppers from Zurich and now add FC Dallas and Lisbon giants Benfica to the list of MLS clubs who have forged partnerships with European teams.
The Portuguese powerhouse who have won a record 38 league domestic championships along with two European Cups and the MLS side will open official lines of collaboration to share coaching expertise that will also allow young, talented players to experience different playing styles and cultures to enhance their personal and professional development.
The recent deal that saw Croatian striker Petar Musa from Benfica earlier this month to the MLS outfit paves the way in the new alliance with the 25-year-old making 66 appearances for the Lisbon side and securing 17 goals across all competitions.
“The United States is a strategic market for Benfica’s growth strategy”, Benfica Vice President Manuel de Brito said. “Soccer has been the fastest-growing sport among young people in the U.S and Benfica has been very actively looking for opportunities for the last two years.
We believe this partnership will help us increase our presence in the U.S.and FC Dallas is the leading youth soccer academy in America, as numerous former FC Dallas Academy players are in the national teams of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. So, approaching FC Dallas was a natural step for Benfica. Possibilities are endless and I believe this partnership will be a success.”
Benfica are known to have one of the best youth academies at their Seixal Campus and recent years have seen the likes of Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, João Félix and João Cancelo break through as major talents.
FC Dallas are also renowned for youth development with Chris Richards, Ricardo Pepi, Jesús Ferreira and Paxton Pomykal all coming through the Academy which is widely regarded as one of the best in the United States. Thirty-seven FC Dallas Academy players have signed for the club’s first team, the highest number in Major League Soccer while eight players currently hold roster spots.