Manuel Benson: Career, Current Club, Angola and Key Facts

Introduction

Manuel Benson is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for Maccabi Haifa and represents Angola internationally. He was born in Belgium and developed his football skills at several respected Belgian clubs before moving to English football.

Benson is best known for his successful first season with Burnley. His goals helped the club win the 2022–23 EFL Championship title and return to the Premier League. His most memorable moment came when he scored the winning goal against Blackburn Rovers to confirm Burnley as league champions.

After finding regular playing time harder to secure, Benson joined Swansea City on loan in September 2025. That loan ended in January 2026, when he completed a permanent move to Maccabi Haifa.

Manuel Benson Quick Profile

Detail	Verified information
Full name	Manuel Benson Hedilazio
Common name	Manuel Benson
Date of birth	28 March 1997
Age	29 years old as of July 2026
Birthplace	Lokeren, Belgium
Nationality	Belgian and Angolan
International team	Angola
Profession	Professional footballer
Main position	Right winger
Preferred foot	Left
Current club	Maccabi Haifa
Former English clubs	Burnley and Swansea City
Best-known achievement	Winning the 2022–23 EFL Championship with Burnley
Famous moment	Scoring the title-winning goal against Blackburn Rovers

Benson’s date of birth, nationality, position and preferred left foot are recorded by the Premier League’s official player profile.

Who Is Manuel Benson?

Manuel Benson is a fast and creative attacking footballer. He usually begins on the right side of the pitch but likes to move towards the centre before shooting with his stronger left foot.

He was born in Lokeren, a city in Belgium, and developed within the Belgian football system. He later became eligible to play international football for Angola through his family background.

Benson played youth international football for Belgium before choosing Angola at senior level. This means he is part of a growing group of European-born players who represent their family’s country at international level.

He is especially remembered by Burnley supporters because of his performances during the club’s Championship-winning season.

Early Life and Youth Football

Benson was born on 28 March 1997 in Lokeren, Belgium.

He began playing football at a young age and spent part of his early development with his hometown club, Lokeren. He also received youth training at Anderlecht, one of Belgium’s biggest and most successful football clubs.

Benson later joined the youth system at Lierse. It was there that he completed his development and received his first opportunity in senior professional football.

His pathway through different academies helped him learn several styles of football. Anderlecht placed strong importance on technical ability, while Lierse provided him with a clearer route into first-team competition.

Readers interested in how coaching and player development shape careers can also explore Marten Glotzbach’s football coaching journey.

Beginning His Professional Career at Lierse

Benson entered senior football with Lierse while he was still a teenager.

His early appearances allowed him to experience the speed, physical pressure and tactical demands of professional football. He gradually became a more important member of the team and showed that he could create chances as well as score goals.

One of his strongest campaigns came during the 2016–17 season. His performances attracted attention from clubs competing at a higher level in Belgium.

Lierse played an important role in Benson’s career because the club gave him the competitive experience he needed to move forward.

Move to Genk

Benson joined Genk in 2017.

Genk is known for finding and developing talented young footballers. The club has helped many players build careers in Belgium and abroad.

Competition for first-team places was strong, and Benson did not immediately become a regular starter. However, training and competing in that environment gave him experience at a club with higher expectations.

During his time under contract with Genk, he also spent a loan period with Royal Excel Mouscron. The move gave him more opportunities to play senior football and continue developing his attacking skills.

Genk won the Belgian Super Cup in 2019 while Benson was connected with the club’s squad.

Royal Antwerp Career

Benson moved to Royal Antwerp in 2019.

The transfer provided him with a fresh opportunity to establish himself at a major Belgian club. Antwerp competed near the top of Belgian football and also appeared in European competitions.

Benson’s speed and direct movement made him useful on the wing. He could receive the ball near the touchline, attack a defender and then move inside towards goal.

Royal Antwerp won the Belgian Cup during the 2019–20 season. Benson’s time with the club also brought him to the attention of Vincent Kompany, who later became an important figure in his career.

He temporarily joined Dutch club PEC Zwolle on loan in January 2021. Playing in the Netherlands gave him experience in the Eredivisie, a league known for technical and attacking football.

Like Benson, many athletes strengthen their careers by adapting to different teams and environments. Conrad Williams’ sprinting career provides another example of the discipline needed to compete at a high level.

Joining Burnley

Burnley signed Manuel Benson from Royal Antwerp in August 2022.

Vincent Kompany had recently become Burnley’s manager and was rebuilding the team after its relegation from the Premier League. Kompany knew Belgian football well and believed Benson could add speed, creativity and goals to the squad.

The move was Benson’s first experience of English club football.

The Championship is a demanding competition with a long season and a busy schedule. Benson needed to adjust to stronger physical challenges, quicker transitions and a different playing culture.

He responded by becoming one of Burnley’s most dangerous attacking players.

Breakthrough 2022–23 Season

Benson enjoyed the most productive season of his English career during the 2022–23 campaign.

He scored 11 league goals and provided three assists in 33 Championship appearances. These numbers were impressive because he did not start every match.

Many of his goals came after he entered from the substitutes’ bench. His ability to change matches made him an important weapon for Burnley.

He often received the ball on the right, moved inside onto his left foot and aimed a curling shot towards the far corner. Opposing defenders sometimes understood what he wanted to do but still found it difficult to stop him.

Swansea City later described Benson as a direct, fast and aggressive attacking player who could move inside from the right wing. The club also highlighted his energy and work without the ball in its official Manuel Benson announcement.

Goal That Won Burnley the Championship

Benson’s greatest Burnley moment came against Blackburn Rovers on 25 April 2023.

Burnley and Blackburn are historic rivals, making the match important even without the Championship title being involved.

Benson began the game on the bench. He entered during the second half and made an immediate impact.

He collected the ball on the right side, moved onto his left foot and produced a powerful curling shot. The ball flew beyond the goalkeeper and into the net.

Burnley won the match 1–0. The victory officially confirmed the club as the 2022–23 Championship champion.

The goal became one of Burnley’s most memorable modern moments. It also won the club’s Goal of the Season award.

Benson’s story shows that substitutes can be just as important as starting players. A footballer may have only a few minutes to change a match, but one successful action can become part of club history.

Promotion to the Premier League

Winning the Championship returned Burnley to the Premier League for the 2023–24 season.

Benson entered the campaign with high expectations after his goals in the second division. However, he received fewer opportunities in the Premier League.

The standard was higher, and Burnley faced stronger defenders and more organised teams. Injuries and competition for attacking positions also affected his ability to build regular form.

He made eight Premier League appearances during the season. Burnley struggled as a team and was relegated to the Championship.

This period was a major change from Benson’s successful promotion campaign. It also showed how quickly circumstances can change in professional football.

Motorsport careers can contain similar rises, setbacks and new opportunities. Readers can learn more through Enzo Fittipaldi’s racing career.

Difficult Final Period at Burnley

Benson remained with Burnley following the club’s relegation, but regular first-team football continued to be difficult to find.

The team changed managers, tactics and squad priorities. Players who had been important during the 2022–23 promotion season were no longer guaranteed the same roles.

Benson needed a move that could give him more minutes and allow him to rebuild his rhythm.

Burnley eventually agreed to send him to another Championship club.

Swansea City Loan

Swansea City signed Benson on loan on 2 September 2025.

The original agreement was intended to continue for the remainder of the 2025–26 season. He received the number 21 shirt.

Swansea wanted him to provide pace and creativity in attacking areas. His experience of winning the Championship also made him an attractive addition.

Benson made his Swansea debut during the club’s dramatic League Cup victory over Nottingham Forest. Swansea came back from two goals behind and scored twice in added time to win 3–2.

However, the loan did not develop into a long-term stay. He made a limited number of appearances, and the arrangement ended during the January 2026 transfer window.

Permanent Move to Maccabi Haifa

Benson’s Swansea loan ended in January 2026, allowing him to complete a permanent transfer away from Burnley.

On 29 January 2026, Burnley confirmed Benson’s permanent move to Maccabi Haifa.

Maccabi Haifa is one of the best-known football clubs in Israel. It regularly competes for domestic trophies and has appeared in major European competitions.

The transfer gave Benson a fresh start after a difficult period in English football.

The Israeli Football Association records Benson as a member of Maccabi Haifa’s Premier League squad and credits him with one league goal during the 2025–26 season.

As of 19 July 2026, Maccabi Haifa remains his latest confirmed club.

Manuel Benson’s Angola Career

Benson was born in Belgium and represented Belgium at youth level.

He later chose to play senior international football for Angola. His Angolan eligibility comes through his father’s side of the family.

Benson made his senior Angola debut in June 2024 during a World Cup qualifying match against Eswatini. Angola won the match 1–0.

His international role gives Angola another experienced attacking option. His pace can be valuable during counterattacks, while his left foot provides a different threat from wide positions.

He was also selected for Angola’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Representing Angola connected his professional career with his family background and gave him the chance to compete in African international football.

Manuel Benson’s Playing Style

Benson is mainly a right winger, although he can play in other attacking positions.

He is left-footed, which strongly influences the way he plays.

Instead of always running towards the outside of a defender, he often moves from the right wing towards the centre of the pitch. This movement opens space for him to shoot with his left foot.

His main football qualities include:

• Quick acceleration
• Close control of the ball
• Direct dribbling
• Movement from the right towards the centre
• Powerful left-footed shooting
• Curling shots towards the far corner
• Energy when pressing defenders
• Ability to influence matches as a substitute

His size and low centre of gravity can help him change direction quickly. However, he can face challenges against defenders who use their strength and block his route towards the centre.

Why Benson Was So Effective for Burnley

Burnley’s 2022–23 team controlled possession in many Championship matches.

Opposing teams often defended close to their own goal, leaving little open space. Benson’s dribbling and shooting ability helped Burnley break through these defensive lines.

He did not always need to enter the penalty area to score. His accurate left foot allowed him to threaten the goal from outside the box.

Kompany also used him carefully. Bringing Benson into a match against tired defenders often increased his impact.

His effectiveness came from a combination of skill, timing and confidence.

Career Challenges

Benson’s career has included several difficult periods.

At Genk, he faced strong competition for a regular first-team place. He later needed loan moves to gain more playing time.

After becoming a major Burnley player in the Championship, he received fewer opportunities in the Premier League. His Swansea loan also ended earlier than originally planned.

These changes are common in professional sport. A player’s success can depend on fitness, tactics, coaching decisions, team form and competition from teammates.

Benson’s move to Maccabi Haifa gives him another chance to build consistency.

The ability to change direction is also important outside football. Blain McGuigan’s work in boxing shows how professionals can move between different roles within sport.

Manuel Benson Career Timeline

• 1997: Born in Lokeren, Belgium.
• Early youth career: Developed with Lokeren.
• Later youth career: Trained within Anderlecht’s academy.
• 2010–2014: Continued his youth development at Lierse.
• 2014: Entered senior professional football with Lierse.
• 2017: Joined Genk.
• 2018–19: Played for Royal Excel Mouscron on loan.
• 2019: Moved to Royal Antwerp.
• 2019: Became part of Genk’s Belgian Super Cup-winning squad.
• 2019–20: Won the Belgian Cup during his Antwerp period.
• 2021: Joined PEC Zwolle on loan.
• 2022: Signed for Burnley.
• 2022–23: Scored 11 Championship goals as Burnley won the league.
• 25 April 2023: Scored the title-winning goal against Blackburn Rovers.
• 2023–24: Played in the Premier League with Burnley.
• September 2025: Joined Swansea City on loan.
• January 2026: Left Swansea and Burnley.
• 29 January 2026: Completed a permanent move to Maccabi Haifa.
• July 2026: Remained a Maccabi Haifa player and Angola international.

Career Honours and Achievements

Team honours

• Belgian Super Cup with Genk: 2019
• Belgian Cup with Royal Antwerp: 2019–20
• EFL Championship with Burnley: 2022–23

Individual recognition

• Joint-leading assist provider in Belgium’s second division: 2016–17
• Burnley Goal of the Season: 2022–23

His title-winning goal against Blackburn remains the most important individual moment of his career.

Public Image

Benson is generally known as a skilful and exciting winger rather than a highly public celebrity.

Most media coverage focuses on his football performances, especially his Burnley goals and international decision to represent Angola.

He has also spoken about remaining mentally balanced during difficult periods. Professional football can change quickly, so players need to control both excitement and disappointment.

His willingness to continue after reduced playing time reflects the patience required for a long sporting career.

Leadership away from the playing field can also influence sporting success. Roger Devlin’s racing and leadership story explores another side of the sports industry.

Interesting Facts About Manuel Benson

• He was born in Belgium but represents Angola internationally.
• He played youth international football for Belgium.
• His main position is right winger.
• His preferred foot is his left.
• He often scores after moving inside from the right wing.
• Vincent Kompany signed him for Burnley in 2022.
• He scored 11 Championship goals during Burnley’s title-winning season.
• He scored the goal that officially made Burnley league champion.
• His famous goal came against Burnley’s historic rival Blackburn Rovers.
• He won Burnley’s Goal of the Season award.
• He played in the English Premier League.
• He later joined Swansea City on loan.
• He moved permanently to Maccabi Haifa in January 2026.
• He has played professional club football in Belgium, the Netherlands, England, Wales and Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Manuel Benson?

Manuel Benson is a Belgian-born Angolan professional footballer. He plays as a winger and represents Angola internationally.

What is Manuel Benson’s full name?

His full name is Manuel Benson Hedilazio. Some football records place the names in a different order.

How old is Manuel Benson?

He was born on 28 March 1997. He is 29 years old as of July 2026.

Where was Manuel Benson born?

He was born in Lokeren, Belgium.

What nationality is Manuel Benson?

He has Belgian and Angolan nationality. He represents Angola in senior international football.

What position does Manuel Benson play?

He mainly plays as a right winger. He can also operate in other attacking positions.

Is Manuel Benson left-footed?

Yes. His preferred foot is his left.

Which club does Manuel Benson play for?

As of 19 July 2026, he plays for Maccabi Haifa.

When did Manuel Benson join Maccabi Haifa?

He completed a permanent move to Maccabi Haifa on 29 January 2026.

Did Manuel Benson play for Burnley?

Yes. He joined Burnley from Royal Antwerp in August 2022 and remained connected with the club until January 2026.

How many Championship goals did Manuel Benson score in 2022–23?

He scored 11 goals in 33 Championship appearances during Burnley’s title-winning season.

What is Manuel Benson famous for?

He is best known for scoring the winning goal against Blackburn Rovers that confirmed Burnley as the 2022–23 Championship champion.

Did Manuel Benson play in the Premier League?

Yes. He made eight Premier League appearances for Burnley during the 2023–24 season.

Did Manuel Benson play for Swansea City?

Yes. He joined Swansea City on loan in September 2025. The loan ended in January 2026.

Does Manuel Benson play for Belgium or Angola?

He represented Belgium at youth level but plays senior international football for Angola.

When did Manuel Benson make his Angola debut?

He made his senior Angola debut in June 2024 during a World Cup qualifier against Eswatini.

Conclusion

Manuel Benson’s career has taken him through several countries, leagues and important football moments.

He developed in Belgium before playing for clubs including Lierse, Genk and Royal Antwerp. His move to Burnley in 2022 brought the biggest success of his career.

Benson scored 11 league goals as Burnley won the Championship. His winning goal against Blackburn Rovers made him part of the club’s history.

Later periods in the Premier League and at Swansea were more difficult, but his permanent move to Maccabi Haifa created a fresh opportunity.

As of July 2026, Benson is a Maccabi Haifa winger and Angola international. His speed, direct running and powerful left foot remain the main qualities that make him dangerous.