Biography
Who is José Costa?
Playing career beginnings
José Alberto Barroso Machado e Costa was born in Porto. He started his professional football path as a junior with Académica de Coimbra. During his time there, he experienced a relegation followed by a successful promotion back to the top tier of Portuguese football. He scored two goals during the promotion campaign.
In the summer of 1977, he spent time on loan with the Rochester Lancers while competing in the North American Soccer League. By the 1977 to 1978 season, he achieved a personal best of ten goals while playing for the Students. This performance helped pave the way for his future move to a larger club.
Success with FC Porto
Following his tenure at Académica, José Costa signed with FC Porto. He functioned as a classic winger and maintained high physical fitness due to previous experience in track and field and handball. At Porto, he played alongside Fernando Gomes and António Oliveira. This trio became a central part of the team's success.
He contributed to the club winning six major titles, including two national championships in the Primeira Liga. In 1979, he received the Portuguese Footballer of the Year award. He also played in the final of the 1983 to 1984 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, although the team lost to Juventus FC in Basel.
Later playing years and international service
Toward the end of his career, he joined Vitória Sport Clube. With this team, he helped secure a fourth-place finish and qualify for the UEFA Cup. He scored a goal during a 4 to 3 victory against Sporting CP in November 1985. He retired from professional football in June 1987 after a final season with C.S. Marítimo.
On the international stage, José Costa earned 24 caps for the Portugal national team. He scored one goal for his country, which occurred during a match against the United States. His debut took place in March 1978 during a friendly game against France in Paris. His final appearance for the national squad happened in October 1983 against Poland.
Coaching and management roles
After retiring from play, José Costa pursued a career in coaching. He held a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Coimbra. He initially worked as an assistant to Juca for the national team before managing youth squads and assisting Carlos Queiroz. His first head coaching role was with his former club, Académica, in the second division.
He later assisted Queiroz at various international clubs, including Sporting, the NY/NJ MetroStars, and the Nagoya Grampus Eight. He also managed several Portuguese clubs, including F.C. Famalicão, F.C. Vizela, Varzim SC, and G.D. Chaves. In 2005, he moved to the United States to serve as a technical director for a soccer academy in Santa Clara, California.
Birthday and age
José Costa was born on October 31, 1953, which makes José 73 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. José shares the date with 63 other famous people.
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