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Helena Costa: Trailblazing Female Sporting Director Inspires Change

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Helena Costa, Estoril's sporting director, is the only female sporting director globally.
Costa began her career in the late 1990s at Benfica and became the first woman to coach a men's team in France in 2014.
She has worked in contexts with restricted women's rights in Qatar and Iran and actively supports protests there, inspiring future generations.

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Story summary

Helena Costa, Estoril's sporting director, is the only female sporting director globally.
Costa began her career in the late 1990s at Benfica and became the first woman to coach a men's team in France in 2014.
She has worked in contexts with restricted women's rights in Qatar and Iran and actively supports protests there, inspiring future generations.