Porto, Portugal – April 28, 2024 – In a historic shift, Andre Villas-Boas has been elected president of Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto, bringing a decisive end to Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa’s 42-year reign.
Villas-Boas, a former FC Porto manager with a successful past at the club, secured a landslide victory with 21,489 votes compared to Pinto da Costa’s 5,224. This marks the conclusion of Pinto da Costa’s remarkable tenure, characterized by 15 consecutive election wins and a period of immense success for the club.
A Return to Familiar Territory
Villas-Boas’ appointment brings him back to a club where he achieved his most significant managerial triumphs. At the young age of 33, he led FC Porto to a historic domestic double in the 2010/11 season, clinching both the Portuguese Cup and the Europa League without suffering a single defeat. This Europa League victory made him the youngest coach ever to win a European club trophy.
Campaign Promises and New Leadership
During his campaign, Villas-Boas pledged to usher in a new era at the club. He has promised to appoint former Spanish goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta as sporting director and Portuguese defender Jorge Costa as head of the football department.
A Time for Change
Pinto da Costa’s long reign coincided with an unparalleled period of trophies for FC Porto. Under his leadership, the club secured 23 league titles, the European Cup in 1987, and the Champions League in 2004. However, recent times have presented significant challenges. The club faces financial difficulties and currently sits a disappointing third in the league table, a stark contrast to past glories.
Villas-Boas: Facing New Challenges
Villas-Boas returns to the club after stepping away from coaching to focus on his presidential campaign. His managerial career has seen mixed results outside of FC Porto, with less successful stints at Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Zenit St Petersburg, and Marseille.
This new role as president marks a fresh challenge for Villas-Boas. Can he revive the club’s fortunes off the pitch and restore FC Porto to its former glory? Only time will tell.
