Portuguese serial winner ‘inspired’ by goalkeeping icon to instil the ‘Benfica way’ at Phoenix
Carolina Vilão, who is only 24 years old, has one of the most impressive football resumes in the A-League.
The goalie, who joined Portuguese powerhouse Benfica as a teenager from rival Sporting, another European powerhouse, won everything during her six years there.
Along with a stellar group of colleagues, some of whom have gone on to become some of the biggest names in women’s football, she won numerous awards during her time at Benfica.
Geyse is a Brazilian forward. Ana Vitória, star of Atletico Madrid. Cloé Lacasse, a Canadian international. Real Madrid’s Yasmim and Barcelona’s Kika Nazareth. Together with Vilão, these players have helped Benfica win numerous trophies since the women’s team’s inaugural season in 2017.
However, why did the 24-year-old decide to go to Wellington in order to join the Phoenix in the Ninja A-League after having such a stellar start to her professional career in Lisbon?
The highly regarded Portugal Under-23 international had two straightforward goals: to gain more playing time and develop.
Vilão told leagues.com.au, “I think I’ve played more games in the last four months than I did in the entire previous year.”
“I’ve been learning a lot throughout the game. Practice is crucial, of course, but playing offers a variety of experiences. I believe that has helped me grow significantly.
Even though the weather isn’t always great, I’m still having fun in Wellington! But I’m having fun with it.
Vilão has sought to instill what she refers to as the “Benfica mentality” in the Wellington playing group since joining the Phoenix in July 2024.
That mindset, which Vilão has had since childhood and has supported her “heart club” with the help of her brother and grandfather, is what allowed her to win prize after trophy in Lisbon.
“I was fortunate enough to play for Sporting as well, but I always cheered for Benfica.”
“My older brother started playing when I was three or four years old. It was because of him and my grandfather that I developed a passion for the sport. I wanted to touch the ball the moment I saw him do so.
“Since I’ve played football, I’ve always prioritized it since I knew I wanted to play professionally. School was also a priority, of course, but I thought I could combine the two into one.
For my family and I, it was a very proud time. Supporting a team like Benfica seems like a big deal in Portugal. Every child aspires to play for such teams. I had a dream, and when they eventually formed a team, I felt compelled to join right away.
Vilão, who joined Benfica from Sporting in her teens, soon grew used to winning awards; four Campeonato Nacional Feminino crowns are among her honor roll accomplishments. Vilão also claims that “it’s actually more than that,” despite the fact that her official silverware count is eight.
“We have another competition that in English I believe would mean League Cup – we had two of those too. I have trophies from the second league (division) and two from the Portuguese Cup.” Vilão’s six-year tenure at Benfica was capped off by a run to the quarterfinals of the 2023-24 UEFA Women’s Champions League, where the Portuguese team finished second in a group that included eventual champions Barcelona, and a quarterfinal knockout loss to Lyon, the other Champions League finalist.”Playing in the Champions League is a dream for every player,” Vilão stated. “I believe we performed rather well in the Champions League last year; we faced both of the teams that advanced to the final, and I’m thankful to have been a member of that historic squad. Playing in the Champions League was and still is a dream of mine. It’s amazing to play against elite squads.
Vilão’s two favorite memories of her time at Benfica are her first trophy triumph with the Under-19s and her first cup final with the senior team, despite the glitz and prestige of a deep Champions League run.
“I occasionally dropped to the Under-19s to play when I was already in the senior team,” she remarked.
“One of my favorite memories is of winning my first trophy with the Under-19 team. We lost the first game of the two-game final, but we won the second one away from home. I still recall how wonderful it felt to win the first cup with the Under-19 squad.
“My first League Cup final, in which I played for Benfica, is the second recollection. Undoubtedly, participating in the Champions League and playing Chelsea at home created incredible experiences, but those two cups are the ones that I remember the most.
Vilão developed her skills while practicing and playing with Benfica’s legendary roster of previous players who are now well-known in the women’s football world.
“I have a very close friend named Ana Vitória who plays for Atletico Madrid,” she stated. Another who played for Manchester United during my first season at Benfica at the age of 17: The geyse
.
Yasmim is currently playing with Real Madrid, Cloé Lacasse, who also plays in the NWSL with the Utah Royals, and Kika (Nazareth) are at Barcelona. I also received some experience from playing with the many players that have been there for a few years.
Even though Vilão has played with several true superstars throughout the course of her career, Ederson, a Brazilian international and current Manchester City men’s goalkeeper, is the former Benfica player who has had the biggest impact on her game.
With his ball-playing ability crucial to defensive build-up play—a component of Vilão’s own skill set that made the Portuguese keeper the ideal addition to head coach Paul Temple’s squad—and his “small ball” philosophy, which relies on an intricate passing network to create space for the ‘Nix to exploit, the six-time Premier League winner and 2019 Copa America champion has played a significant role in the transformation of modern-day goalkeeping.
“I think Cristiano Ronaldo is everyone’s idol because I’m from Portugal,” Vilão commented.”He is an inspiration as an outfield player and an athlete.
In her 14 games for the Phoenix this season, Vilão has played 432 passes, which is second in the league only to Canberra United’s Sally James. She has also contributed an assist, having set up Grace Jale for the game-winning goal in a 2-0 victory over Perth Glory in early January.
With Wellington’s 16 goals against ranking among the league’s finest defensive records as they attempt to make it to the finals for the first time in club history, Vilão has already maintained four clean sheets in her 14 Phoenix appearances.
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