Francisco Costa was named the “Portuguese Young Athlete of the Year” at the 28th edition of the Sports Gala, organised by the Portuguese Sports Confederation, at the “Maria Matos” Theatre in Lisbon.

Costa, who turned 20 years old this February, ran in the “Portuguese Young Athlete of the Year” category with four other athletes, Geovany Quenda (football), Jaime Faria (tennis), João Pontes (sailing) and Madalena Costa (figure skating), winning the trophy where he was also nominated in the previous edition.

The 20-year-old right back had a stellar season, winning the title with Sporting CP, while also qualifying in the quarter-finals of the EHF Champions League Men, where he scored 79 goals.

But undoubtedly, his biggest performances came for the national team, during the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship, where Costa was named the “Best Young Player Presented by Lidl”, as he led his team towards their best-ever finish in the competition, the fourth place.

The right back was clearly a crucial player for Portugal, in his second edition of the world handball flagship competition, after making his debut in 2023, being the second-best scorer, with 54 goals, and one of the best assist providers, with 22 assists throughout the competition.

“It is an honour, a privilege to receive an award like this. I have the best people by my side to help me grow,” said Costa in the acceptance speech of his award.

Cyclist Iúri Leitão was the big winner at the 28th Sports Gala of the Portuguese Sports Confederation (CDP), being elected the Male Athlete of 2024 and winning the "Team" award with fellow Olympic champion Rui Oliveira, as well as the “Ethics in Sports” award. The best Female Athlete of the Year was named judoka Patrícia Sampaio.

Manchester United’s coach, Ruben Amorim, was named the Coach of the Year.

Credit photo: Confederação do Desporto de Portugal