Lukebakio vents after substitution and reveals frustration at Benfica.

Dodi Lukebakio is experiencing a true internal battle at Benfica, caught between frustration over his limited playing time and a strong desire to fight for his place. The 28-year-old Belgian winger, signed for a hefty price of €20 million from Sevilla in the last summer transfer window, has seen his prominence in the squad drastically diminish, especially following a serious injury that sidelined him for three months.

In the last match at the Estádio da Luz against Moreirense, Lukebakio did not hide his irritation when he was substituted in the 58th minute for Gianluca Prestianni. The player, visibly upset, expressed his frustration by hitting the substitutes’ bench and exchanged heated words with José Mourinho, who, despite downplaying the incident publicly, does not hide his disappointment with the Belgian’s performance. “The biggest reason for Lukebakio’s limited playing time is Prestianni,” Mourinho fired back, in a fierce criticism that reveals the tension between the two. The coach emphasized that “players have their characteristics, but Lukebakio has certain aspects of his game that I am not passionate about” and highlighted the need for the player to adapt and show more physical and mental commitment.

This misunderstanding highlights the difficult relationship between the coach and the winger, who feels sidelined even in the few matches he started after recovering from a fracture in his left ankle, sustained during a game for the Belgian national team last November. In the matches against Moreirense and Arouca, Lukebakio was substituted in the second half, always giving the impression that he deserved more time to prove his worth. Despite this, the player remains convinced that he has given his all for the team and has no immediate plans to leave the club.

However, the Belgian’s future at Benfica is far from guaranteed. The club is seeking alternatives to resolve the situation at the end of the season, considering options ranging from a definitive sale to a loan with an option to buy. The significant financial investment made in his name complicates a departure, but Lukebakio’s participation in the upcoming World Cup could be a bargaining chip for negotiations.

Lukebakio’s connection to Lisbon and Benfica is strong; he claims to be well integrated and passionate about the city and the club, acknowledging the prestige of the red institution in the European landscape. Still, he knows he has lost ground in the battle for a spot in the starting eleven and that Mourinho’s recent statements leave no room for doubt about his current position in the squad. The moment calls for a change in attitude and a collective effort for the winger to turn things around and regain the coach’s trust.

Meanwhile, Lukebakio has found a stage to shine with the Belgium national team. In the last two friendly matches against the United States (5-2) and Mexico (1-1), the winger stood out with two brilliant performances and three goals scored, reinforcing his candidacy for the next qualifying phase for the 2026 World Cup. In Belgium, he feels valued and recognized, which makes his limited usage at Benfica even more incomprehensible to him.

Lukebakio’s season at Benfica, which began with a muscle injury, has so far seen him play 21 matches, with 13 as a starter. The current scenario is one of uncertainty, not only for the player but also for coach José Mourinho, whose future at the club has not yet been officially decided, despite assurances from director Rui Costa.

As the season approaches its decisive phase, all eyes will be on how this saga unfolds. Will Lukebakio be able to turn the page and regain the prominence everyone expected? Or is his time at Benfica reaching an impasse? Time and the upcoming transfer window will have the final say.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.