In stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Portuguese football, Benfica FC’s top goalscorer Vangelis Pavlidis has been suspended indefinitely from all sporting activities after returning a positive test result.
The news broke moments ago, leaving the club and its fans in a state of disbelief. According to official statements from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and anti-doping authorities, the Greek striker failed a routine drug test conducted after a recent league match, with results showing the presence of a banned substance.
While the specific substance has not yet been publicly disclosed in full, authorities confirmed that the findings constitute a clear violation of strict anti-doping regulations. As a result, an automatic provisional suspension has been imposed with immediate effect, barring Pavlidis from participating in any matches, training sessions or club activities until the investigation is concluded.
Pavlidis, 27, has been the driving force behind Benfica’s attack since joining the club in July 2024. He has scored 42 goals in just over a season, including 19 league goals in the 2024-25 campaign, establishing himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe. His form this season has been equally impressive, with 19 goals in 20 league games by November 2025, making him indispensable to the team’s title ambitions and European campaigns.
“This is a devastating blow for everyone at Benfica,” a club source said. “Vangelis has been a model professional since he arrived, and this news comes as a complete shock. We are cooperating fully with the authorities, but we must respect the process and let the investigation take its course.”
Pavlidis himself has not yet issued a public statement, but his representatives have confirmed that they are aware of the situation and are preparing to respond. The player now faces the possibility of a lengthy ban, which could not only derail his season but also threaten his place in the Greece national team for upcoming international fixtures.
The news has sparked an outpouring of reaction from fans, with many expressing shock and sadness on social media. Benfica now faces a major challenge to fill the void left by their star striker as they compete on multiple fronts.
We will bring you further updates on the test results, the player’s response and the next steps in the investigation as soon as more details emerge.
