Shillong, Sept 8: Shillong Lajong Academy graduate Yohaan Benjamin has signed his first senior professional contract with Portuguese club Guarda FC, marking another significant step in the 19-year-old’s footballing journey in Europe.
Guarda FC compete in the Campeonato de Portugal (Série B), with Benjamin making the move after leaving Slovenian side NK Bravo, where he continued his development after departing Shillong Lajong in 2025.
Benjamin joined Shillong Lajong in 2022 at the age of 15 and spent three years with the club, progressing through its academy pathway and representing the Young Reds across several competitions.
During his time with Lajong, he featured in the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League, Reliance Football Development League (RFDL), Meghalaya State League and Shillong Premier League.
His performances also earned him recognition at the international level, with Benjamin representing India U-19 at the 2025 SAFF U-19 Championship.
After leaving Shillong Lajong in 2025, Benjamin moved to Slovenia to join NK Bravo, continuing his development in European football.
He subsequently made history by becoming the first Indian footballer to feature in the UEFA Youth League. He represented NK Bravo in the competition, including an appearance against Portuguese giants FC Porto in October 2025.
Benjamin will now continue his European journey in Portugal with Guarda FC, where he begins his senior professional career.
For Shillong Lajong, the move represents another milestone for its academy pathway, with one of its young graduates progressing from the club’s youth setup to professional football in Europe. Shillong Lajong congratulated Benjamin on the move and wished him success as he begins the next chapter of his career.
