Helena Costa Makes History as First Female Manager in French Football’s Ligue 2
In a groundbreaking move for French football, Clermont Foot 63 has appointed Helena Costa as the head coach of their men’s professional team. Costa, a 36-year-old Portuguese coach, is making history as the first woman to manage a men’s team in Ligue 2, marking a significant step toward gender diversity in the sport.
Costa brings a wealth of international experience to the role, having previously managed the Iranian women’s national team and led Qatar’s national team. Her varied coaching background also includes a stint as a scout for the Scottish club Celtic, showcasing her versatility and understanding of the game across different cultures and levels of competition.
Clermont Foot, currently a Ligue 2 side, has recently parted ways with former manager Régis Brouard, prompting the club to seek a new direction. In an official statement, the club emphasized that Costa’s appointment marks the beginning of “a new era” for the team, underlining the club’s ambition to innovate and break new ground in French football.
Costa’s appointment has drawn significant attention, both in France and internationally, as it represents a major step forward for women in football. Her hiring is not only a historic first for Ligue 2 but also reflects the growing recognition of female coaches in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
The 36-year-old will take charge of Clermont Foot 63 at the start of the next season, and her appointment is expected to inspire other clubs to consider women for high-level managerial roles in the professional game. As one of the most prominent female figures in football management, Costa’s journey will be closely watched, as her leadership at Clermont could serve as a trailblazing example for future female coaches in men’s football.
With her appointment, Helena Costa has already made history, and the world of football will be keen to see how she fares as the first woman to lead a Ligue 2 team in France.
Tags: France, Ligue 2, Helena Costa, Clermont Foot, Women in Football
