‘This Is for Them Too’: Porto’s Farioli Dedicates Title to Ajax

Francesco Farioli

Porto clinched their first league championship since 2022, with Farioli saying late director Jorge Costa helped drive the success.  

“Football gives and takes away, I think we did something extraordinary at Ajax...”

Francesco Farioli paused after winning the Primeira Liga to thank his former club and players at Ajax.

Porto clinched their first league title since 2022 with a 1-0 victory over Alverca on Saturday, giving Farioli the first championship of his managerial career.

The celebrations cut the post-match press conference short as Porto’s players drenched their manager with two ice buckets, but Farioli still took time to savor the moment.

“It's very emotional, I'm very happy for everyone,” Farioli said.

“For this group, for the group of people who work here, for Jorge Costa, for the president (André Villas-Boas), for the people who are here... Everyone deserved a title like this after a long time without one.”

Porto were stunned by the sudden death of technical director Jorge Costa in August. Farioli said the former captain, who led Porto to Champions League glory in 2004, played a part in driving the team to this season’s league title.

“Our strength this season was Jorge. One of the last things he said was 'we have a team again', and the squad fought to keep those last words alive. We did everything in our power, from the management to the pitch; everything helped us. The last two saves by Alberto (Costa) and Alan Varela are Jorge's DNA, and that was with us throughout the season. He's not physically with us, but he's in our thoughts and in our souls.”

CAMPEÃO 25/26 🏆 @france_fario pic.twitter.com/inUDEqRRr8

— FC Porto (@FCPorto) May 3, 2026

‘A Bit for Ajax Too’

Farioli referenced his time in Amsterdam after lifting the Primeira Liga with Porto, saying the title was partly for his former club.

The 2024-25 season ended harshly for Farioli at Ajax, who blew a double-digit lead in the final weeks and lost the Eredivisie by a point to PSV on the last day. An emotional Farioli thanked supporters after a 2-0 win over Twente and departed by mutual consent the next day.

Even on the day he won his first title with Porto, Farioli said he hadn’t forgotten Ajax and his spell in the Dutch capital.

“Football gives and takes away, I think we did something extraordinary at Ajax, unfortunately, it didn't end the way we wanted,” said Farioli, who was popular within the Ajax squad and remains so to this day.

“I received several messages from my players from last season, from the board, and I think today a little bit of this achievement is for them.”

Francesco Farioli ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wdpaKIFrqL

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 18, 2025