A dream come true

GABRIEL'S DREAM

Wednesday night, October 29, was a special night for Gabriel! The young Benfica fan watched Benfica-Tondela (3-0), a League Cup quarterfinal match at Estádio da Luz, and after the final whistle, he fulfilled his dream of meeting the players and coach José Mourinho.

Gabriel is 12 years old and lives in São Mamede de Infesta, at Casa do Kastelo, a palliative and long-term care unit for children and young people. A Benfica fan, he asked the director of the institution, in the days leading up to the game, to let him watch Benfica-Tondela on television. The late kick-off (8:45 pm) meant that the match would start after his bedtime. The young Benfica fan was far from imagining that not only would he receive permission, but he would also get to watch the match at the stadium!

On Wednesday afternoon, he left Casa do Kastelo, as instructed, to go and see a wheelchair. The long journey made Gabriel, an intelligent, expressive, and eloquent young man—despite his physical limitations—suspicious. When they parked at Estádio da Luz and he realized where he was, he couldn't control his excitement! It was a dream come true, but it was only the beginning of the dream...

His predictions—Benfica's victory and goals from Otamendi and Pavlidis (joined by Lukebakio)—were spot on. It was already a memorable night, but it became even more special when he met his idols. His initial anxiety faded and Gabriel seized the moment: he chatted with the players and coach José Mourinho, took photos, and asked for autographs.

In a joint initiative, the Benfica Foundation and the Club's Professional Football Team once again provided unique experiences. Gabriel will surely cherish this dream come true!