The article explores the enduring curse associated with Benfica and the potential for investment in its redemption, framed around a historical narrative involving coach Béla Guttmann.
The piece reflects on the historical and cultural significance of the curse hanging over the Portuguese football club Benfica, primarily rooted in the narrative of coach Béla Guttmann. Guttmann, who led the team to two European Cups in the early 1960s, famously cursed the club after being denied a pay raise by the then-president. This curse has become a part of the club's lore, representing a fascination not only with sports but with destiny, legacy, and the concept of time itself.
The article posits the existence of a wealthy young investor who might be willing to challenge this curse by investing in the future success of the club, marking the year 2062 as a symbolic target. This hypothetical investor embodies a vision of breaking away from the past burdens, seeking to create a new chapter for Benfica, which has historically struggled with maintaining its winning glory. The notion of purchasing 'time' juxtaposes the material world of investment with the metaphysical idea of altering fate.
Finally, the narrative raises questions about what it takes to lift such a curse, hinting at the intertwining of personal ambition, historical legacies, and the emotional bonds of sports fandom. It suggests that perhaps it is not just financial investment that is needed, but a deeper understanding of the club's history and ethos, which could ultimately pave the way for reconciling with the ghosts of its past.
