Benfica is revamping the history of its crest, opting for subtle yet distinct changes that bring the emblem closer to its earlier versions.
The most significant change involves the eagle. In the new version of the emblem, the eagle’s talons now rest on the ribbon bearing the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” rather than on the bicycle wheel, as was the case in the previous version.
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There is also a change to the wheel itself, as its outer outline is now gold instead of white, giving a different look to one of the logo’s most distinctive elements.
The bicycle wheel is not a random addition to the Portuguese team’s emblem. It was added in 1908, when Sport Lisboa merged with Grupo Sport Benfica, and symbolizes cycling, one of the first sports associated with the club.
The eagle, on the other hand, has been one of Benfica’s strongest symbols since its early years and is associated with concepts such as independence, strength, pride, and the pursuit of victory. The emblem naturally retains the soccer ball, the initials S.L.B., and the historic motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
The Benfica emblem has undergone several aesthetic changes throughout its history. By 1930, it had largely taken on the form for which it became globally recognizable, and in 1999, it underwent yet another redesign, with the most significant change being the repositioning of the eagle.
*photo source: AP
