Valenzuela's pro career starts at Benfica

Mariana Valenzuela

Sport Lisboa Benfica (Liga Feminina) has signed 23-year-old Mexican international Mariana Valenzuela as a 188cm forward for the new season. She is the second import player on the team, joining German Sarah Polleros. Valenzuela recently graduated from Seton Hall (NCAA), where she averaged 12.3ppg, 7.2rpg, and 1.2apg in 32 games last season, helping her team reach the semifinals.
She began her college career at Florida State University (NCAA) where she played for four seasons. She spent her high school career at Montverde Academy in Montverde, FL.
As mentioned above, she is just out of college and it will be her first full season in professional basketball.
Valenzuela has also been a member of the Mexican international program for some years. She has regularly played for the Mexican senior team since 2022 and previously for the Under 17 National Team in 2019.
a standout performance, averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds per game. Valenzuela was a key player for Mexico throughout the tournament, making a significant impact on both ends of the court.


Sport Lisboa Benfica roster for 2026-27:

Guards:
Maria Bettencourt
Ines Faustino
Joana Soeiro
Marta Martins
Ana Barreto
Ines Neto

Forwards:
Sarah Polleros
Mariana Valenzuela

Coach: Ricardo Vasconcelos