Miracle of Istanbul 2005
The Portuguese playmaker who led Benfica, Fiorentina, and Milan, and now serves as the club's president.
Rui Manuel César Costa (born 29 March 1972) is a Portuguese former professional footballer who is the 34th president of sports club Benfica. He spent the majority of his career with Benfica, Fiorentina, and AC Milan, winning multiple trophies including a Primeira Liga title, a Taça de Portugal, a Serie A title, three Coppa Italia, a UEFA Champions League, and a UEFA Super Cup. He earned 94 caps and scored 26 goals for Portugal, representing the country in three UEFA European Championships and one FIFA World Cup.
Quick Facts
- Club involved
- None (Benfica not participating)
- Event year
- 2005
- Competition
- UEFA Champions League Final
- Participants
- Liverpool vs AC Milan
- Status
- Historical Event Outside Benfica Canon
Lore & Background
Costa joined Benfica's youth system at age five after impressing Eusébio in a trial. He was loaned to Fafe in his first full season. After winning the 1991 Under-21 World Cup with Portugal, he returned to Benfica, forming a midfield partnership with João Vieira Pinto and winning the Taça de Portugal in 1993 and the Portuguese First Division title in 1993–94. He moved to Fiorentina, winning two Coppa Italia and a Supercoppa Italiana. In 2001, he joined AC Milan for a club-record fee, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2003 and the UEFA Super Cup. He returned to Benfica in 2006, playing two seasons before retiring in 2008.
Reader's Guide
Costa was an attacking midfielder known for his technique, playmaking, and goal-scoring. He was named in the FIFA 100 in 2004. At Milan, he faced competition from Rivaldo and later Kaká. In his second season at Benfica, he won the SJPF Player of the Month for September 2007 and Benfica's Player of the Year for 2007. His international career included a red card in a 1998 World Cup qualifier against Germany, and he retired after Euro 2004.
Did You Know?
- Costa scored the winning penalty in the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship final.
- He was sent off for the only time in his career in a 1998 World Cup qualifier against Germany for leaving the pitch too slowly.
- In a 2002 Champions League match, he assisted three goals in a 4–0 win over Deportivo de La Coruña.
- He missed a penalty in the Euro 2004 quarter-final shootout against England, but Portugal still won.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the clubs involved in the Miracle of Istanbul 2005?
This event features Liverpool FC and AC Milan rather than S.L. Benfica. It occurred during the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final without any Portuguese team participation.
Is this match part of Benfica's official history?
No, the Miracle of Istanbul remains entirely outside the canon of S.L. Benfica's past. The victory belongs to Liverpool after they overturned a 3-0 deficit against Milan.
Did any Benfica players participate in the 2005 Final?
There were no Benfica players, coaches, or staff involved in this specific encounter. All participants represented either the English or Italian club competing that night.
What is the actual outcome of the Miracle of Istanbul?
Liverpool won the trophy on penalties after equalizing in regular time against AC Milan. This result stands as a famous moment in English football history, not Portuguese.
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