Always with Jorge Costa in mind, the party started outside the Dragao stadium and had no set end time. Euphoria lasted until the early hours of the morning, with a spectacle that would make Sao Joao envious.
After their 1-0 victory over Santa Clara in the 34th round of the Liga, FC Porto lifted the league trophy and extended the celebrations to several iconic locations in the city of Porto. From Ribeira to Aliados, amidst fireworks and a drone show = with balconies and buildings decorated in style = the new national champions were greeted by thousands of fans, even during their boat trip on the Douro River.
The most chilling moments occurred when FC Porto parked in the heart of the celebrations, in Aliados Square. The clock showed 11:30 PM.
Porto fans, let’s celebrate together! shouted Francesco Farioli, holding the trophy with Diogo Costa. After speeches by Pedro Duarte (Mayor of Porto) and André Villas=Boas, a tremendous pyrotechnic display engulfed the Aliados square. The celebration was so spectacular that many of those present claimed to have never witnessed anything like it at an FC Porto celebration = not even at the Sao Joao festival.
It was probably the biggest celebration ever for an FC Porto title. It was a unique emotion to have experienced so much joy since we left the Estádio do Dragao. FC Porto returned thanks to a unique team, with a unique winning spirit. We thank, from the bottom of our hearts, these players, our coach, the FC Porto board, the FC Porto administration, and Jorge Costa, said Villas=Boas.
Even though thousands of fans arrived at Aliados in the early afternoon on Saturday, the adrenaline kept sleep away and gave them the stamina to embark on another night with no end in sight.
Francesco Farioli’s team paraded – one by one – to the cheers of the fans and dancing. Several players waved the flags of their respective countries, so the blue and white night also featured the colors of, for example, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Croatia and Nigeria.
After Diogo Costa paraded with the trophy in his hands, Francesco Farioli led the technical team to the peloton.
Finally, FC Porto projected a heartfelt tribute to Jorge Costa at Porto City Hall, reminding everyone that this achievement is dedicated to “Bicho” (the nickname of the team’s nickname). The moment was accompanied by smoke, flags, flares, and drones. And many tears. This was followed by the FC Porto anthem and another impressive fireworks display.
Check out the associated gallery and browse through the best images from the FC Porto celebration.
FC Porto had not been crowned champions since 2022, and this season they won their 31st title with 88 points.