From an early age, Porto has launched countless talents into the world in the most varied areas. Whether in literature, cinema, architecture or fashion, there are many illustrious names from our country who originated in the Invicta city.
14 illustrious people from Porto
These iconic personalities fill the hearts of tripeiros with pride. Today we present some of them, but there are many more that could be included here. The order of the list is random.
Pinto da Costa
If there are any illustrious people from Porto in the world of soccer, there ‘s no doubt that Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa deserves to be highlighted. Born on December 28, 1937 and died on February 15, 2025, the former president of FC Porto left a deep mark on the club and the city itself.
During his life, dedicated largely to the dragons, Pinto da Costa was president for more than 40 years, transforming FC Porto into one of the most successful clubs at national and international level. As a manager, he won more than 2,590 titles in 21 sports.
Prince Henry the Navigator
Prince Henry the Navigator became known in Portuguese history as “The Navigator” and left an undeniable mark on the period of Maritime Expansion.
The son of King João I and Filipa de Lencastre, Henry the Navigator was born in Porto in 1394 and was one of the most prominent sons of the “Illustrious Generation”.
He also led the Order of Christ and played a leading role in the capture of Ceuta in North Africa. His remains rest in the Monastery of Batalha.
Manoel de Oliveira
Manoel de Oliveira is an inescapable name in the history of cinema in Portugal and Europe. The filmmaker was born in Porto in 1908, in the parish of Cedofeita.
His cinematographic work undoubtedly reflects his strong connection to Invicta. His most famous works include, for example, “Douro, Faina Fluvial” or the timeless classic “Aniki-Bobó” .
Today, you can visit the Casa de Cinema Manoel de Oliveira, which is part of the cultural perimeter of Serralves.
Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen
One of the most important poets and authors in Portuguese literature. She was the firstPortuguese woman to receive the Camões Prize in 1999, the most important literary award in Portugal.
Almeida Garrett
One of the main personalities of Portuguese dramaturgy and Portuguese romanticism. As well as being a pioneer in the arts, he was also involved in Portuguese politics.
Sara Sampaio
Sara Sampaio is one of today’s most illustrious people from Porto. Born in Porto in 1991, the model is known all over the world for her unique career.
The model has dressed and walked for some of the biggest names in the fashion world. She is also one of Portugal’s best-known digital personalities, with over eight million followers on Instagram.
Aurélio da Paz dos Reis
He was an important merchant from Porto and the pioneer of Portuguese cinema, having directed the first Portuguese films.
Rosa Mota
Rosa Mota is a former athlete who has won several awards along the way. She is an Olympic and world champion. At the age of 60, she won the marathon again.
A true warrior and definitely one of the many Portuguese womenwho should be acclaimed.
António Soares dos Reis
Soares dos Reis was an important artist in Porto and in Portugal, having excelled in sculpture. His works are marked by their realism and revolutionary nature.
Álvaro Siza Vieira
Siza Vieira was born in Matosinhos, but because of his connection to Invicta, we couldn’t leave out this mention.
After all, he is the most awarded Portuguese architect of all time. He is the author of many great works in the cities of Matosinhos, Porto, the country and the world.
Pedro Abrunhosa
A composer and musician from Porto who works all over the world and in various fields.
As well as being invited by Caetano Veloso for a joint show, he was also invited by Manoel de Oliveira to star in one of his films, “A Carta”.
Pedro Homem de Mello
Graduated in Law, he was a teacher and poet. He focused on the study of Portuguese folklore and dedicated several television programs and literary essays to this subject.
Rui Reininho
Any self-respecting Porto resident knows Rui Reininho. The lead singer of the famous GNR is one of Porto’s most charismatic figures and one of the best-known voices in the country.
He was born in 1955 in Invicta and is now one of Portugal’s most respected musicians, composers and lyricists. With more than 30 years in charge of GNR, Rui Reininho has released several albums.
In addition, the song “Pronúncia do Norte” is almost a hymn to Porto and our people:
It’s the pronunciation of the northThe fools call it torpe.”
Eduardo Souto Moura
Eduardo Souto Moura is an architect from Porto who won the Pritzker Prize in 2011, which is the Nobel Prize for Architecture, and also won the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 2018. He worked with Siza Vieira.
These are just a few of Porto’s illustrious personalities. But there are even more and many who, although they weren’t born here, are from Porto at heart, such as Agustina-Bessa Luís or Eugénio de Andrade.