Interview: Benfica are targeting the football industry to compete with Europe's biggest clubs

The Portuguese club are depending on selling the teachings of their renowned academy to become part of the European elite, according to their global expansion director.

Benfica have one of the most successful track records of selling "made in Benfica" players in recent years.

As a club in a smaller European league, Benfica have made the sports industry their primary commercial target, realising they cannot compete with Europe's biggest clubs in terms of media exposure.

Their mid-term goal is ranking among the 10-15 biggest clubs in the Deloitte Money League.