Portuguese Serial Champion Draws Inspiration from Goalkeeping Icon to Embed the ‘Benfica Way’ at Phoenix

Among her teammates were Brazilian striker Geyse, Atlético Madrid’s Ana Vitória, Canadian international Cloé Lacasse, along with Kika Nazareth from Barcelona and Yasmim of Real Madrid—all of whom contributed to Benfica’s impressive trophy haul since the women’s team formed in 2017.

Despite such a successful start to her club career in Lisbon, what prompted the 24-year-old to make the leap to Wellington and join the Phoenix in the Ninja A-League?

For the highly regarded Under-23 Portugal international, the answer was quite straightforward: more game time and personal growth.

“In the past four months, I’ve probably played more matches than I did all of last year,” Vilão relayed to aleagues.com.au.

“I’ve been accumulating valuable experience—practice is vital, but playing presents unique situations every time. I truly feel I’ve been developing significantly through this.”

“Wellington has its charm—though the weather can be a bit dodgy! Still, I’m enjoying it.”

Since joining the Phoenix in July 2024, Vilão has aimed to instill what she terms the “Benfica mentality” into the Wellington side.

This mentality was key to her achievement of repeatedly lifting trophies in Lisbon—a philosophy ingrained in her from childhood, inspired by her brother and grandfather, both fervent Benfica supporters.

“In Portugal, this mentality often comes from family. My grandfather and the majority of my family supported Benfica, which is why I did too,” she expressed.

“While I was fortunate to represent Sporting as well, Benfica was always my true passion.”

“My older brother played from a young age, which sparked my love for the sport. Watching him play made me want to follow in his footsteps.”

“As a kid, I knew I wanted to pursue football—my mother always underscored the importance of chasing our dreams.”

“I was determined to turn professional, and while school was also essential, I found a way to balance both.”

“Joining Benfica was a tremendous source of pride for me and my family. Supporting a team like Benfica is significant in Portugal; for many children, including me, it’s a dream to play for such an esteemed club.”

Having transitioned from Sporting to Benfica in her teens, Vilão became accustomed to the sweet taste of victory, amassing an exceptional collection of honour, including four Campeonato Nacional Feminino titles. Although her official trophy total stands at eight, Vilão insists, “it’s actually more than that.”

“I’ve won some trophies from the second division and two Portuguese Cup titles. We also have another competition that roughly translates to the League Cup, and I won two of those as well.”

“That’s the Benfica mentality: we arrive determined to play and win. I feel incredibly thankful for the experience and the trophies I achieved with my ‘heart club.’ Now, I aim to create history with Wellington.”

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During her six years at Benfica, Vilão reached the quarter-finals of the 2023-24 UEFA Women’s Champions League, competing in a group that also featured the eventual champions, Barcelona, and suffered a knockout defeat to the other finalist, Lyon.

“Every player aspires to play in the Champions League,” said Vilão. “We performed admirably last year, facing both teams that ultimately made it to the final, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of a team that made history. Playing against such prominent teams has always been a dream of mine.”

Yet, despite the glamour of the Champions League, Vilão cherishes two memories from her Benfica days above all else: her maiden trophy with the Under-19 team and her first cup final with the senior squad.

“Even while I was with the senior team, I would sometimes drop down to the Under-19s to play,” she reminisced.

“Winning my first trophy with the Under-19s is one of my fondest memories. The final took place over two legs; we lost the first but secured victory in the second away from home. The elation of winning that first cup was indescribable.”

“The second unforgettable moment was my inaugural League Cup win; it marked my debut final for Benfica. Of course, competing in the Champions League produced fantastic memories, especially facing Chelsea at home, but those two cup wins are particularly special to me.”

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Throughout her career, Vilão has refined her skills training alongside a formidable roster of Benfica alumni who have since become renowned figures in women’s football.

“A very close friend of mine plays for Atlético Madrid, Ana Vitória,” she shared. “Another from my first year at Benfica, when I was just 17, now plays for Manchester United: Geyse.

“There’s also Kika (Nazareth) at Barcelona, Cloé Lacasse in the NWSL, and Yasmim at Real Madrid. Many players who spent time there have crafted their journeys, and I gained invaluable experience from learning alongside them.”

Although Vilão has trained with numerous high-profile players during her time, the individual who has had the most significant impact on her goalkeeping style is Ederson, currently the goalkeeper for Manchester City’s men’s team and Brazilian national side.

The six-time Premier League winner and Copa America champion has revolutionised modern goalkeeping, particularly with his exceptional ability to build play from the back—a skill set that aligns with Vilão’s own game, making her an ideal fit for head coach Paul Temple’s squad and the intricate passing approach he advocates.

“In Portugal, it’s common for everyone to idolise Cristiano Ronaldo,” Vilão remarked. “He’s an exceptional athlete and a great source of inspiration.”

“However, for me as a goalkeeper, I’ve always looked up to Ederson. Years ago, he too played at Benfica, and his style of play—particularly his footwork—has always resonated with me, which is why he remains my role model.”

So far this season, Vilão has completed 432 passes across her 14 appearances for the Phoenix—the second-highest total for any goalkeeper in the league, trailing only Canberra United’s Sally James. Additionally, she has recorded an assist, providing the opening goal to Grace Jale in a 2-0 victory over Perth Glory early in January.

Vilão has achieved four clean sheets in her 14 matches with Wellington, as the team boasts one of the league’s strongest defensive records, with only 16 goals conceded, as they aim to secure a finals spot for the first time in the club’s history.

Currently, Wellington sit three points behind sixth-placed Western United as they prepare for a home clash against second-placed Melbourne Victory in Round 15.

Following the Saturday Ninja A-League match at Porirua Park, Vilão will retreat to the locker room and as she does after every Phoenix game, pick up the phone to connect with her family back in Portugal.

Either her mother or brother will likely be on the other end, having braved the time zone differences to watch all of her games with the Phoenix.

It’s a new chapter for Vilão and her family, having spent the first 23 years of her life in Portugal. The decision to leave home for a new challenge in the A-Leagues has since paid dividends as she enjoys significant game time, and more crucially, the opportunity to “grow.”

“My mother and brother wake up in the middle of the night to watch the games. I always call them post-match to see if they watched, and to gather their thoughts,” she shared.

“My brother has always been my biggest inspiration, and he doesn’t often say it, but deep down, I know he’s my greatest supporter.”

“I believe I was well-prepared for this; my family’s unwavering support makes it easy to stay connected with them—especially with today’s technology.”

“More than just aiming for playoff contention, my primary goal this season is to relish my time here.”

“I’m enjoying football more than I have in the last eight years.”