Historic FC Porto President Pinto da Costa dies aged 87
Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, President of FC Porto for more than 40 years, was more than a highly successful football club President. He was also a staunch opponent of excessive centralism.
Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, the most successful President in Portuguese football history and one of the sport’s most controversial figures, has died at the age of 87.
The legendary FC Porto leader, who revolutionized the club over 42 years of presidency (1982-2024), leaves behind an unparalleled legacy, with 68 football titles and a total of 2,591 club victories across all sports.
Under his leadership, FC Porto evolved from a regional club into a dominant force in national and international football.
His reign saw Porto lift multiple major trophies, including two Champions League titles, two Intercontinental Cups, and numerous domestic honors.
A Golden Era for FC Porto
Pinto da Costa’s transformative leadership took FC Porto to new heights, breaking the dominance of Lisbon clubs.
His tenure was marked by an unshakable belief in his vision, often summed up in his motto: “against all odds.”
One of his crowning moments came in 1987, when Porto won its first European Cup, defeating Bayern Munich with Rabah Madjer’s iconic backheel goal.
That same year, the club won the Intercontinental Cup against Peñarol and later added a European Super Cup title.
In the early 2000s, he made one of his most influential decisions by appointing José Mourinho as head coach.
Mourinho repaid that trust by leading Porto to the UEFA Cup in 2003 and a historic Champions League triumph in 2004, defeating AS Monaco 3-0 in the final.
Pinto da Costa’s impact wasn’t limited to football. His vision led to the modernization of FC Porto, including the construction of the Estádio do Dragão, the club museum, and training facilities that set new standards for Portuguese football.
A Presidency Marked by Success and Controversy
Despite his significant sporting achievements, Pinto da Costa’s career was not without controversy.
He was a central figure in the infamous “Apito Dourado” (Golden Whistle) scandal, which involved allegations of corruption in Portuguese football. Though he was eventually acquitted, the case left a lasting stain on his legacy.
His presidency, which lasted 15 terms, came to an end in 2024 when he lost the club’s elections to André Villas-Boas, marking the conclusion of one of the longest and most successful leaderships in sports history.
Stance against centralism
The Porto Municipal Assembly unanimously approved a motion of condolence for the passing of Pinto da Costa, praising him as a dedicated advocate for Porto and the region, with a strong stance against the centralism.
Sebastião Feyo, president of the Assembly, emphasized that Pinto da Costa’s impact extended beyond sports, highlighting his role as a determined fighter for Porto. Rodrigo Passos of the PSD party described him as not only the most decorated president in world football but also a key ambassador who projected the city internationally.
His legacy was recognized as transcending football, symbolizing resilience and opposition to centralism. Pinto da Costa himself had expressed pride in FC Porto’s strength against centralization, viewing the club as a bastion for the North. He credited the unwavering support of fans for embodying the spirit of FC Porto, reinforcing its role in the ongoing fight against centralism.
The Final Years
In recent years, Pinto da Costa battled prostate cancer, a fight that weakened him significantly. His final months were marked by tensions with his successor, to the point where he reportedly did not want Villas-Boas to attend his funeral.
Despite the controversies, his influence on FC Porto and Portuguese football remains undeniable. Fans, former players, and club officials have paid tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the club and reshaped its history.
Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa’s legacy will live on, not just in the countless trophies he helped Porto secure, but in the indelible mark he left on the sport.