Mou unveils teenage sensation before Madrid clash as Anísio makes Benfica history
Jose Mourinho's 17-year-old prodigy Anísio Cabral scored on debut for Benfica days before their Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.
A new Portuguese wonderkid has burst onto the scene just days before Benfica’s crucial Champions League encounter with Real Madrid, giving Jose Mourinho another attacking option for the big European night.
17-year-old makes instant impact
Anísio Cabral, a towering 17-year-old striker standing at 1.87m, made Benfica history by becoming the club’s youngest goalscorer in the 21st century during their 4-0 thrashing of Estrela Amadora in league action.
The teenager needed just one minute to make his mark after coming off the bench in the 83rd minute to replace Pavlidis. His instant impact didn’t surprise his manager, with Mourinho stating post-match that the youngster “hasn’t disappointed anyone” in training sessions with the first team.
What makes the story even sweeter is that Cabral’s goal came from an assist by his mate Daniel Banjaqui, another 17-year-old who was making his first start for the Eagles.
From youth ranks to first-team breakthrough
Cabral’s journey to the Benfica first team has been impressive:
- Joined Benfica’s academy in 2017 aged just 9
- Scored 7 goals at the U17 World Cup (second-highest scorer)
- Already represented Portugal at U19 and U23 levels
- Signed his first professional contract with Benfica at 16
The young forward, born on February 15, 2008, has made no secret of his ambitions, declaring his aim to “win many titles with Benfica” and become “a great player” after turning professional.
Madrid challenge looms
With Benfica preparing to face the mighty Real Madrid in the Champions League, Mourinho now has a potential ace up his sleeve. The Special One clearly rates the youngster highly, and this diamond might just get a chance to shine on Europe’s biggest stage.
While Cabral cites Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian Ronaldo as his striker role models, interestingly his true idol is Éder – the man who scored Portugal’s winner against France in the Euro 2016 final. Not a bad example to follow for a young striker looking to make his mark on the big occasions!
Talk about perfect timing – the boy’s only gone and announced himself right before the biggest game of Benfica’s season. Proper job, that.