Maianca Umabano Joins Benfica, Picks No. 4 for Special Reason

Wing/post player Maianca Umabano is one of Benfica's new basketball signings, having penned a two-season contract with the club.

The 29-year-old, 1.80m tall Portuguese international leaves GDESSA Barreiro, where she played from 2013 to 2026, to embark on a new chapter in her career.

Having developed her game at NCR Valongo, CAR Jamor, and GDESSA Barreiro, Umabano arrives at Benfica with an impressive trophy cabinet, including two National Championships, one Portuguese Cup, and one Federation Cup. In 2025, Maianca Umabano was part of the National Team that, for the first time, reached the final phase of a European Championship.

Speaking to BTV, the player admitted to feeling nervous about her decision to move to Benfica. "I spent many years at another club that saw me grow and taught me a lot. It wasn't an easy decision," she confessed.

Her desire for continued growth, coupled with the quality of her "teammates, the coach, and the competitiveness," were decisive factors in her choice. The reunion with Ricardo Vasconcelos, who had previously coached her with the national team, also played a significant role. "I have a lot of faith in his work, and that's also why I'm here. Whenever I joined the national team, I felt like I left having learned more. Having that opportunity for an entire season can help me grow immensely as a person and as an athlete," she explained.

The Eagles' new player highlighted the coach's intelligence and ability to impart his knowledge, stating that he helps her "develop that extra-sporting capacity."

Aware of the demands at her new club, Maianca Umabano is ready for the challenge. "Here, I'll truly have to fight for a spot. I'll have to give my best every day to be a consistent athlete, but consistent at a high level, because the team demands that," she affirmed.

Maianca Umabano will wear the number 4 jersey, a choice with sentimental value. "It was the number my older sister used. I chose it because she was my idol when I was younger. She still is," she revealed.