Benfica returned to winning ways after winning the 38th league title in club history, following one of the strongest starts in club history! The 2022-23 set one stacked with rookie cards!
The Panini Futebol 2022-2023 Complete Album
10 – Henrique Araújo Rookie Sticker – #56 & #417
Henrique Araujo first proper first team season – was not that impactful as the other Benfica Campus striker, Gonçalo Ramos. He’s not Benfica first team material, but with some time, he might be a regular in the Benfica squad. Current on Loan at Arouca.
9 – Franco Israel Rookie Sticker – #306
Franco Israel is an exciting GK prospect from Uruguay. He’s been the backup GK for Sporting, but already featured in the Champions League and, at some point in the 2023-24, crucial for Sporting’s title run.
8 – Tomas Araujo Rookie Sticker – #178 & #421
Tomas Araujo was really solid for Gil Vicente in his first proper first division league games. Was playing in the champions league last, and this season. Been a really solid 3rd option for Benfica, this season. At the time of writing, was even called up to Portugal.
7 – Gustavo Sá Rookie Sticker – #166
Sá is one of the young prospects that can reach bigger stages. A CAM, he ‘s considered to be Famalicão’s best player, at just 19. One to watch for sure! Linked a move to Porto.
6 – Enzo Fernandez #49 & #367 & #397 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Fútbol Argentino 2022
Enzo Fernandez run at Benfica (remember, just 3 months) was so impactful that made him a starter at the World Cup. He was the 2022 Young Player of the Tournament. In January 2023, he moved to Chelsea for 120M€. One of the best young players in the world. A treat to watch.
5 – Álvaro Djaló Rookie Sticker – #90
Djaló, is a winger with pace – one of those classic wingers that can run fast and dribble the ball well .Can hit one from long range as well – as seen in this goal vs Sporting. Currently plays for Athletic Bilbao
4 – Jota Silva Rookie Sticker – #338
Jota Silva is also, one of those electric wingers. A low gravity player, he uses his quickness to get by defenders. He was Victoria’s best player and this season moved to Premier League Club – Nottingham Forest.
3 – Diomandé Rookie Sticker – #472
Diomandé went to play for Mafra,a second tier portuguese side, to become one of the starters for Sporting. A really good CB, who’s primarily trait is his strength and anticipation – good to have on a 3 player backline.
2 – António Silva Rookie Sticker – #45 & #417
Antonio Silva was crucial for Benfica’s title run in 2023. At just 19, he was called up for the World Cup in 2022. His stock has been decreasing in the last months, with some bad performances here and there. But he’s still young and should be pairing up with Ruben Dias for Portugal in the national team.
1 – João Neves Rookie Sticker – #444
The best player in the whole set, After Enzo left the club, he filled his shoes like a season veteran! Don’t let the tucked in shirt fool you, the kid is the real deal. Scored two crucial goals vs Sporting – one that clinched the title in the 2022-23 season:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QIK-EipSmw
He only has two rookies from the 2022-23: this sticker, and a Panini Elite card. So given, the lack of products he’s in, this sticker is a must have, for sure!
The Other Stickers
Summary
A year where there were a lot of rookies, decent players, but too soon to see if they are really good – should keep an eye on this class for years to come.
And that’s a wrap! OHobby out !