Benfica signs Gabriel Índio and transfers Henrique Araújo to Casa Pia
Sport Club Benfica announced the signing of 18‑year‑old Brazilian centre‑back Gabriel Índio on a five‑year contract running until 2031. The defender, who previously featured for Flamengo, Botafogo and Athletic Club, expressed enthusiasm about joining the Portuguese side.
In a separate move, Benfica confirmed the permanent transfer of striker Henrique Araújo to Casa Pia. Araújo signed a three‑season deal with the club, while Benfica retained a 50 % stake in any future sale and secured a buy‑back clause. The 24‑year‑old forward leaves Benfica after a career that included youth titles, a UEFA Youth League win and senior appearances for the first team.
Entities: Athletic Club · Brazil · Casa Pia · Casa Pia A.C. · Gabriel Índio · Henrique Araújo · Marco Silva · Rui Duarte · S.L. Benfica · Sport Club Benfica · Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Índio, an 18‑year‑old Brazilian centre‑back, signed a five‑year contract with Benfica that runs until 2031. (Benfica press release and player statements)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Índio described himself as very fast, aggressive, and strong in the air, and stated he is ready to learn from experienced centre‑backs at Benfica. (Player interview)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Prior to joining Benfica, Gabriel Índio played for Athletic Club after youth spells at Flamengo, Botafogo and Serrano. (Club and player biographies)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Índio made 14 senior appearances for Athletic Club before his transfer to Benfica. (Player statistics cited by Benfica)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Henrique Araújo transferred permanently from Benfica to Casa Pia on a three‑year contract until June 2029, with Benfica retaining 50 % of any future sale and a buy‑back clause. (Henrique Araújo moved to Casa Pia on a three‑season deal; Benfica keeps 50 % of a future sale and a buy‑back clause.)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Índio, an 18‑year‑old Brazilian defender, signed a five‑year contract with Benfica that runs until 2031. (Gabriel Índio signed a five‑year deal with Benfica until 2031.)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Índio aims to help Benfica win many titles and bring great joy to its supporters. (player quote to BTV)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Índio transferred from Athletic Club to Benfica. (Benfica official announcement)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Índio made his senior debut for Athletic Club in September 2025 and played 14 matches in 2026. (Benfica official announcement)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Índio previously played in the youth systems of Flamengo and Botafogo before joining Athletic Club. (Benfica official announcement)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Índio, 18 years old, signed a five‑season contract with Benfica until 2031. (Benfica official announcement)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gabriel Índio said he is very happy to join Benfica and wants to contribute to the club’s success. (player quote to BTV)