Fernando Cruz passed away
History•
Fernando Cruz passed away on Saturday 16 August 2025, at the age of 85.
In 1970, he became the first overseas player to establish himself in the Red and Blue colours after the brief spell of Yugoslav player Zivko Lukic (who played only one match).
The loyal Benfica defender already had an impressive record when he arrived in the capital: 346 matches played (with just one goal), eight league titles, four domestic cups, and five European Cup finals, with two victories (1961 and 1962) and three defeats (1963, 1965, and 1968). He also earned eleven caps for the national team and took part in the 1966 World Cup in England.
Cruz began his career in 1956 with Benfica’s youth team and joined the first team three years later. A disciplined left-back, nicknamed “the Fisherman”, he collected titles and trophies before ending his career with one last triumph against Braga (5-0) on November 16, 1969. A few months earlier, he had played his final European match against Ajax… in Paris, at the Stade de Colombes.
At 30, Fernando Cruz joined Paris Saint-Germain to bring his experience and helped achieve the season’s goal: promotion to the First Division. The Portuguese defender later continued his career in South America, then in the United States.
The club extends its condolences to his family and loved ones.