Loris Benito Souto (born 7 January 1992) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a left-back or centre-back for Young Boys and the Switzerland national team.

Club career

Benito was born in Aarau, Switzerland. A product of local FC Aarau youth ranks, he made his professional debut on 1 November 2009 at age 17 under then-coach Martin Andermatt. His performances led to a move in 2012 to FC Zürich. On 10 March 2013, in an away match against FC Thun, Benito was bitten on the finger by a beech marten he had caught after it invaded the pitch. After solid performances in the Swiss league, news started about a potential move abroad. On 22 June 2014, Benito signed a five-year deal with Portuguese champions Benfica for an unconfirmed fee of around €2.5 million. On 18 October 2014, Benito made his debut for Benfica in a win at S.C. Covilhã (2–3) in the third round of Taça de Portugal. On 6 December 2014, he debuted in Primeira Liga in a home win (3–0) against Belenenses. On 22 February 2015, Benito debuted for Benfica B against Oriental in Segunda Liga. On 23 June 2015, he returned to Swiss football, signing a four-year contract with BSC Young Boys. His first two seasons back in Switzerland were spent mostly on the sidelines with injuries including a metatarsal fracture and torn ligaments in his knee. He also played for French club FC Girondins de Bordeaux between 2019 and 2021. On 30 January 2022, Benito signed a 1.5-year contract with Sion. On 4 July 2022, he returned to Young Boys on a three-year contract.

International career

In May 2019, Benito played in the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, where his team finished fourth. In 2021, he was called up to the national team for the 2020 UEFA European Championship, where the team created one of the main sensations of the tournament reaching the quarter-finals.

Personal life

He is the nephew of Ivan Benito. Of Galician descent, Benito is fluent in German, Italian, Spanish, English, Portuguese (Galician), and French.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

Benfica FC Zürich Young Boys Individual