Manuel Benson

Club career Benson made his top flight debut, playing for Lierse, on 19 April 2014 against KV Oostende in a 2–0 home defeat. He replaced Ahmed Sayed after 87 minutes. In the 2016–17 season he played 37 league games for Lierse, scoring 7 goals, four of which in 9 Europa League play-offs games. In this season Benson also tied with Kevin Kis for the league's top assist provider.

In September 2019, he moved to Royal Antwerp FC on a permanent move.

In the 2020–21 season, Benson played five games in the Belgian First Division A and 3 games in the UEFA Europa League, scoring one goal in Antwerp's 3–1 win over Ludogorets, which allowed them to advance to the Round of 32. On 26 January 2021, Benson moved to Eredivisie club PEC Zwolle on a loan deal until the end of the season. He had the most assists of his team in the 2020–21 Eredivisie, recording four assists in 13 league games.

On 4 August 2022, Benson joined EFL Championship club Burnley for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal. He scored his first goal for Burnley in a 2–1 win against Bristol City on 17 September 2022. He scored his first FA Cup goals on 7 January 2023, notching a pair in an away game against Bournemouth.

International career Benson made his debut for the Angola national team on 7 June 2024 in a World Cup qualifier against Eswatini at the Estádio 11 de Novembro. He substituted Felício Milson in the 69th minute of Angola's 1–0 victory.

On 3 December 2025, Benson was called up to the Angola squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Career statistics Club +Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2013–14 Belgian Pro League

2014–15 Premier League

2024–25 Championship

2025–26 Premier League

Swansea City (loan) 2025–26

Honours Genk Belgian Super Cup: 2019

Antwerp Belgian Cup: 2019–20 Burnley EFL Championship: 2022–23

Individual Belgian Second Division top assist provider: 2016–17 (joint – 7 assists)