A life of passion
Born in Damaia, Amadora, on March 29, 1972.
At the age of five, he started playing at Damaia Ginásio Clube and four years later, he participated in the trials for Benfica, and his talent did not go unnoticed by Eusébio.
For nine years he continued his formative years as a football player at Sport Lisboa e Benfica youth ranks, and in 1990 he was loaned by the Club to Fafe, for one season. When he returned to the Glorioso, he won a Portuguese Cup (1992/93) and a Primeira Liga title (1993/94).
The displays, talent, and maturity revealed drew the attention of several international clubs, with Fiorentina taking the lead in signing him at a time when Sport Lisboa e Benfica was going through financial difficulties.
In Italy, at Fiorentina, Rui Costa stayed for seven seasons, winning two Italian Cups and one Italian Super Cup.
In 2001, Rui Costa headed to Milan to sign for AC Milan, where he would play five seasons, winning an Italian Cup, a Champions League, an Italian Super Cup, an Italian Championship, and a UEFA Super Cup.
In May 2006, Rui Costa terminated his contract with Milan by mutual agreement, returning to his beloved club, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, and bringing his career to an end after the 2007/08 season.
Rui Costa was an international at various age levels, wearing the Portuguese National team jersey at key moments such as when Portugal was crowned World Under-20 Champion in 1991, or the 2004 European Championship Final.
On May 14, 2008, he starts his career as a leader: Rui Costa takes on the role of Sport Lisboa e Benfica's sporting director and becomes an administrator of Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol, SAD.
After being elected vice-president in October 2020, on July 9, 2021, after Luís Filipe Vieira's resignation, he takes over as interim president.
On October 10, 2021, he is elected the 34th president of Sport Lisboa e Benfica in the most participated elections in the Club's history.
