The history of Boavista FC
Key milestones in the club's history, in chronological order.
The key milestones at a glance.
Categories
Competitions
Nicknames through the years Three names tell a story of near misses, late goals and an unbeaten season. Read the storiesClose the stories
Beginnings and the chequered kit
Founded as The Boavista Footballers
English and Portuguese youths establish the club in Porto's Boavista district.
The chequered identity arrives
Boavista introduce their black and white chequered kit in a 4–0 win over Benfica.
Cups and Europe
First Portuguese Cup triumph
Boavista beat Benfica 2–1 in the Taça de Portugal final.
Porto derby in the cup final
Boavista beat FC Porto 2–1 for their fourth Taça de Portugal.
Fifth Taça de Portugal triumph
Boavista beat Benfica 3–2 in the final.
Champions and European nights
First Champions League group stage
Boavista win the qualifying return against Brøndby 4–2 after extra time.
Boavista become Portuguese champions
A 3–0 win over Desportivo das Aves secures the club's first league title.
Ricardo settles the Málaga tie
Boavista beat Málaga 1–0 after extra time and 4–1 on penalties.
Boavista lose the semi-final second leg 0–1 to Celtic and narrowly miss the final.
The new Bessa opens
Estádio do Bessa Século XXI opens after its reconstruction for UEFA EURO 2004.
Crisis and recovery
Administrative relegation and crisis
Boavista leave the top division in 2008 after the Apito Final decision.
Return to the Primeira Liga
Boavista return to Portugal's top division in 2014 after six years away.
Professional football falls away again
After relegation in 2024/25, Boavista's football company is denied admission to the 2025/26 professional competitions.