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The Benfica District project is a transformative new masterplan for Benfica’s Estádio da Luz stadium in Lisbon.
Led by Populous, the original designer of the 2004 Estádio da Luz stadium, the project will modernise the club's facilities, aiming to make the football ground an international destination of excellence for sports and entertainment.
As well as changing the stadium’s facilities, Populous introduces new amenities and public spaces to the surrounding precinct, including a 100m x 40m fan plaza in front of the stadium’s main façade, two indoor sports halls with capacities of 2,500 and 1,500 seats respectively, a community swimming pool, a theatre and an outdoor rooftop football pitch and running track.
The statue of club legend Eusébio da Silva Ferreira will be moved to the main entrance of the square. The bronze statue was unveiled in 1992 in honour of Eusébio’s 50th birthday.
As for the Estádio da Luz stadium itself, a new dynamic façade will temper light and heat to provide shade, and feature customisable integrated LED lighting.
“The stadium façade articulates a contemporary architectural language rooted in Lisbon’s evolving urban narrative,” said Michael Forward, Associate Principal at Populous and Lead Designer for the project.
“A restrained palette of neutral tones fosters a seamless dialogue with the surrounding masterplan, while vertical louvres lend both rhythm and porosity to the envelope. The overall effect pays homage to Benfica’s heritage while creating a striking visual effect, looking confidently to the future.”
A new fourth level will be added to the stadium, providing 6800 m² of mixed-use space that includes the possibility of offices, a premium hospitality offer and commercial facilities.
The project is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Portugal alongside Spain and Morocco.
Picture: a CGI showing a proposed aerial view of the new masterplan at night. The stadium is in the centre. Image Credit Populous
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 06 August 2025
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