{"product_id":"olympic-s-l-benfica-1996-97-home-shirt-8-joao-pinto","title":"Olympic S.L. Benfica 1996-97 Home Shirt (#8 JOAO PINTO)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA truly iconic and rare piece of Benfica history from the 1996-97 season. This vibrant red home shirt, manufactured by Olympic, features the classic collared design and the prominent 'Telecel' sponsor across the chest. The instantly recognisable club crest is proudly embroidered, making this a standout garment for any collector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTeam:\u003c\/strong\u003e Olympic S.L. Benfica\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeason\/Year:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1996-97\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKit Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Olympic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e M\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a genuine jersey from the 1996-97 season, not a modern reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeason Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 1996-97 season was a turbulent one for Benfica, who finished in a disappointing third place in the Primeira Divisão, 27 points behind champions Porto. The club saw three different managers at the helm: Paulo Autuori, Mário Wilson, and finally Manuel José. Despite the league struggles, they reached the final of the Taça de Portugal, narrowly losing 3-2 to Boavista, and also made it to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, where they were eliminated by Fiorentina.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Players\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis season's squad was led by the legendary João Pinto, who was the top scorer across all competitions. He was supported by a host of notable players including Belgian international goalkeeper Michel Preud'homme, Brazilian forward Valdir Bigode, and midfielders Valdo and Calado. New signings for the season included Jamir and Donizete from Botafogo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is a pre-owned authentic vintage item. All kits sold at The Kit Dealer are carefully verified by our in-house authentication team, washed, and treated - unless clearly listed as brand new with tags.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Kit Dealer","offers":[{"title":"M","offer_id":52753953128729,"sku":"TKD3947","price":280.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/6307\/1160\/files\/olympic-s-l-benfica-1996-97-front_a1992135-12bb-42aa-99ec-2c3b034b0dc5.png?v=1782885398","url":"https:\/\/www.thekitdealer.com\/products\/olympic-s-l-benfica-1996-97-home-shirt-8-joao-pinto","provider":"The Kit Dealer","version":"1.0","type":"link"}