Fehér, the eternal 29

15 years have passed since the death of Miklós Fehér. On the night of January 25, 2004, Benfica was winning in Guimaraes for the Championship (0-1) and, close to the end of the match, Miki was booked by the referee having answered with a smile. Suddenly, he fell on the pitch and eventually died.

Fehér's body lied in state in the lobby of Estádio da Luz so that the supporters of Benfica, and not only them, could pay a final tribute. Out of respect for his memory, the no. 29 was removed from the red squad.

Another homage was the placement of a bust of the athlete near the door 18 of the Stadium.

Benfica also established the Miklós Fehér award in partnership with the footballer's former school in Gyor, Hungary, to keep the player's memory alive.

The numbers with the Sacred Mantle

Playing for the reds, Miklós Fehér scored eight goals. The first strike with an eagle on his chest happened in 2002/03, his first season at Benfica, in matchday 3 of the National Championship. Benfica was playing away at Moreirense and Fehér came on at the start of the second half; at 78' the Hungarian player scored the match winner (2-3).

Miklós Fehér Award

The Miklós Fehér Award was created in 2009 to honor the memory of the Hungarian striker, for his example and his life journey.

This year, the Club will host the most recent winners, between March 25 and 28. 

Sport Lisboa e Benfica covers all accommodation and meals expenses of the four winners: Róbert Pár teacher, Klaudia Sorok student, Eliza Takács student, and Lili Bán student.

Text: Diogo Nascimento

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica