The likes of Porto, Ajax and Shakhtar Donetsk have been well-documented breeding grounds around Europe and many of today's top stars have made a pit-stop at one of these clubs before getting the move of their dreams.

Invariably, these clubs end up selling because they don't play in a big enough league that can quench the competitive hunger of their stars and thus, don't have the same kind of money the true European heavyweights have.

Benfica are another one of these sides. They have had plenty of stars pass through Estadio da Luz over the past decade that have gone on to bigger and better things.

But, what would they have done if Benfica had kept them all together? Take a look below.

Jan Oblak (2010-14)

The Slovenian 'keeper only made 16 appearances for Benfica, but he has established himself at Atletico Madrid as one of the best young stoppers in the world.

Nelson Semedo (2015-)

The Sun reported in February that Man United had agreed a £35 million deal for the Portuguese right-back, and he is indeed hot property. Strong with blistering pace and attacking instincts, the 23-year-old has a bright future. FIFA 17 players, snap him up.

Victor Lindelof (2013-)

Another man linked with Manchester United, the 22-year-old Swedish international is one of the best young centre-backs in Europe. Sure to make a major move in the coming years.

David Luiz (2007-11)

The charismatic Brazilian is now one of the best footballing-centre backs in the world with Chelsea. Has accumulated £105 million worth of transfer fees throughout his career, won the Portuguese title during his time with Benfica, but grabbed Europa League and Champions League winners' medals with Chelsea.

Fabio Coentrao (2007-11)

At one time, Coentrao was one of the most exciting full-backs in the world. His attacking instincts and athleticism attracted Real Madrid to spend around £27 million on him, but the rise of Marcelo has seen his career stutter.

Renato Sanches (2015-16)

Bayern Munich shelled out €35 million for the wonderkid in the summer of 2016 and the deal could eventually rise €80 million. That's the talent we're dealing with here. The Germans believe he is the heir to Xabi Alonso's throne and he looks like he has everything to become a world-class talent.

Rui Costa (2006-2008)

The playmaker started and finished with Benfica, but really made his name with Fiorentina and AC Milan. He won everything during his time with Milan and many will remember the sensational goal he scored against England at Euro 2004.

Nicolas Gaitan (2010-2016)

The 16-time Argentinian international was on the cusp of a big move for a long time and despite being linked with Man United every single window, Atletico Madrid bagged him last summer for around £22 million.

Simao (2001-07)

Between his spells with Atletico Madrid and Benfica, Simao carved out a reputation as one of the most dynamic wingers in Europe. He has 85 caps for Portugal and was primarily known for his sharp skills and set-piece prowess before retiring in 2015.

Angel Di Maria (2007-10)

Arguably the cream of the crop. Has gone on to play for Real Madrid - where he won the Champions League - Manchester United and PSG for fees totalling north of £125 million. A real talent on his day and probably reached his apex during his Madrid days.

Oscar Cardozo (2007-14)

Although he might be not a household name, the Paraguayan international scored 112 goals in 175 games for Benfica - that's lethal. He also scored 34 goals in Europe and proved he could find the net in his prime.

Subs

Ederson (2015-)

Those of you that saw Benfica face Dortmund in the Champions League will know that only Ederson working miracles in the first leg kept that tie close.

Luisao (2003-)

The veteran Brazilian, now 36, is still going! He's been a staple of the Portuguese giants for nearly 15 years and has grabbed 44 caps for Brazil in that time, winning Copa America along the way.

Andre Gomes (2012-15)

Ramires might feel hard done by to not have this spot, but while he is i China lapping up the money, Andre Gomes is playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Barcelona.

Javier Saviola (2009-12)

Speaking of Barca, Benfica signed their former striker back in 2009 and the Argentinian - who also had a spell with Real Madrid - was relatively successful during his time in Portugal. He scored 24 times in 69 games.

Nemanja Matic (2011-14)

The commanding Serbian originally moved to Benfica as part of the David Luiz deal from Chelsea. Now he is back at Stamford Bridge and scoring screamers against Tottenham at Wembley, apparently.

Goncalo Guedes (2014-17)

Guedes has long been heralded as the next Cristiano Ronaldo and he finally took the next step in his career last January by moving to PSG for around £22 million. His tricky feet will leave you speechless at times.

Maxi Pereira (2007-2015)

The long-serving Uruguyan finally departed the club on a free transfer in 2015 and headed straight to Porto. Still, capped 118 times on the international stage and a flying full-back at his peak, he could have sought a big move earlier in his career had he wanted to.