An Example for Many Generations – Ana Borges Suffers Serious Injury Before Benfica Debut

Ana Catarina Marques Borges, born in Gouveia,the 35-year-old has earned 187 senior caps and scored 11 goals for Portugal, recognized as one of the greatest figures in Portuguese women's football, Ana Borges is the most capped player ever for the national team. Versatile, fast, and tireless, and is known for her dedication and leadership on and off the field. 

📸 via slbenficafemenino [IG]

Throughout her career, she has won:

• 2 Taças da Liga

• 3 SuperTaças

• 3 Taças de Portugal

• 1 Women’s Super League

• 1 FA Women’s Cup

She signed with Benfica until 2027, after nine years representing Sporting CP, where she served as captain. Prior to that, Borges had a rich international career with Chelsea, Atlético de Madrid, Prainsa Zaragoza, SC Blue Heat, and Fundação Laura Santos, where she came through the youth ranks and made her senior debut.

Just over two weeks into pre-season, Ana Borges,Benfica’s new signing from Sporting, has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in her left knee, without having the opportunity to make her debut for the club.

The experienced player was seen as a key addition to Benfica’s squad ahead of the new campaign. Her injury is a significant blow, both for the player and for the club, which had high expectations for her impact on and off the pitch.

Medical assessments have confirmed the seriousness of the injury. Borges is now expected to undergo surgery followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process. While no official recovery timeline has been announced, ACL injuries typically require several months of recovery, meaning Ana could miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season.

Ana Borges on Instagram:

“Nem sempre a vida segue o rumo que idealizamos.

Estou muito feliz por iniciar esta nova etapa no @slbenficafeminino, por sentir o carinho e o apoio de todos — colegas, staff e direção — desde o primeiro dia.

Mas infelizmente, hoje, poucos dias depois de iniciar este novo desafio, sofri uma lesão no ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho esquerdo.

Segue-se agora uma cirurgia e um longo caminho de recuperação, com o total apoio do Departamento Clínico do clube.

Não é fácil, custa aceitar... mas faz parte da vida de quem escolhe o desporto como profissão.

Agora, é focar na recuperação, estar ao lado das minhas colegas e fazer tudo para voltar com a mesma força, ambição e vontade de sempre.

Obrigada por todas as mensagens e pelo carinho. ❤️

Voltarei em breve. 💪🏼”

Translation:

*“Life doesn’t always go the way we idealize.

I’m very happy to be starting this new chapter at @slbenficafeminino, and to have felt the affection and support from everyone — teammates, staff, and management — since day one.

But unfortunately, just a few days into this new challenge, I suffered an ACL injury in my left knee.

Surgery and a long road to recovery come next, with the full support of the club’s medical team.

It’s not easy, it’s hard to accept… but it’s part of life for those who choose sport as a profession.

Now, I’m focused on recovery, standing by my teammates, and doing everything I can to return with the same strength, ambition, and determination as always.

Thank you for all the messages and affection. ❤️

I’ll be back soon. 💪🏼”*

Ana Borges' absence represents a significant loss for Benfica and Portuguese football. However, her mental strength, experience, and determination will undoubtedly be crucial during her recovery. May she return with the same passion and dedication that have always characterized her. All that remains now is to wish her the best and a return to the field as soon as possible!