Midfielder Mauricio Benitez has returned permanently to Royal Antwerp FC. The Argentine player's comeback was confirmed on August 27, 2026, providing a boost for a team currently sitting ninth in the Jupiler Pro League with seven points from four matches.
Benitez is no stranger to the club from the Bosuilstadion. During his first spell at Antwerp, he made a total of 41 official appearances. In those matches, he scored three goals and provided one assist. His return comes as Antwerp has scored ten goals and conceded nine this season, holding a positive goal difference of plus one.
The return of Mauricio Benitez adds experience and depth to Antwerp's midfield. Manager Mark van Bommel gains a player already familiar with the club and the league. His presence could be important ahead of the away fixture against Standard Liege on September 5, an opponent currently in fifth place. Fans can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
The team currently trails league leaders Charleroi by five points, underlining the need for consistent performances. Benitez's arrival should help close that gap. His immediate contribution will be tested in the coming weeks, starting at Standard.
Mauricio Benitez is a product of the youth academy of Argentine giants Boca Juniors. He made his official first-team debut for Boca in February 2024. In total, he played eleven league matches for the Buenos Aires club before his path back to Belgium opened up.
His development in Argentina has shaped him into a versatile midfielder who can prove his worth both defensively and offensively. This background makes him an interesting option for Van Bommel, who employs various systems. The full squad composition can be found in our squad overview.
Antwerp started the season with mixed results, reflected in their recent form of loss, draw, win, win (LDWW). Benitez's return comes at a time when every point counts in the fight for the upper reaches of the table. The current standings can always be followed via our standings page.
His experience could be useful in the busy period ahead. Beyond the league, other commitments also await. The immediate focus, however, is on the away match against Standard Liege, a traditionally strong opponent where taking points is always a statement. The match takes place on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
