António Costa is one of Portugal’s most prominent political figures, having served as Prime Minister for nearly a decade; however, what many do not know is that there is a woman who has been his constant anchor throughout his rise Fernanda Tadeu, his devoted wife. A dedicated professional in her own right, she has maintained her own identity and career as a teacher while supporting Costa through the intense pressures and complexities of high-level governance.
This article will give you an overview of Fernanda Tadeu, including information about her background, her career in education, and the pivotal, yet discreet, role she has played as the spouse of one of Europe’s most influential contemporary leaders.
Who is Antonio Costa Wife?
António Costa’s spouse, Fernanda Tadeu, is a respected educator and public figure from Lisbon, Portugal. While her husband has spent decades in the political limelight, Fernanda has built a distinguished career in education, serving for years as a dedicated teacher. Although she is the wife of one of Portugal’s most influential leaders, she has consistently maintained her own professional identity and a reputation for being a principled and private individual.
Fernanda has made her mark not through the entertainment world, but through her unwavering commitment to social causes and public education. Known for her quiet strength, she has been a vocal advocate for teachers’ rights and public health, particularly during her husband’s tenure as Prime Minister. Her grace under pressure and her ability to balance a demanding career with the responsibilities of being the country’s First Lady (in the prime ministerial context) have earned her widespread respect across the political spectrum in Portugal.
Antonio Costa Wife Age – How Old is Fernanda Tadeu?
Fernanda Tadeu, a respected Portuguese educator, was born in Lisbon in 1959. By the end of 2026, she would be approximately 67 years old. Having married António Costa on July 31, 1987, she has spent nearly four decades as his closest confidante. While she maintains a private personal life, her presence is often associated with the grace and resilience characteristic of a seasoned professional.
Throughout her husband’s extensive political career, Fernanda has remained a symbol of grounded strength through her dedication to her own career in education and her composed demeanor in the public eye. Eschewing the traditional “political spouse” mold, she has projected an image of self-assurance and intellectual independence. In addition to her professional contributions, she is widely respected for her authentic and unassuming nature—often seen supporting her family with the same quiet devotion that has defined her life.
Fernanda Tadeu Biography / Wiki
| Full Name | Fernanda Maria Gonçalves Tadeu |
| Date of Birth | 1959 [As per 2026 data] |
| Age | 67 years old (as of 2026) |
| Place of Birth | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Profession | Educator / Teacher |
| Spouse | António Costa (m. July 31, 1987) |
| Children | 2 (Son: Pedro Tadeu Costa; Daughter: Catarina Tadeu Costa) |
| Education | Higher education in Teaching/Pedagogy |
| Known For | Wife of former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa; Advocate for public education |
| Residency | Lisbon, Portugal |
Early Life and Background
Fernanda Tadeu grew up in Lisbon, Portugal, long before she became a figure of national prominence as the spouse of a leading statesman. From a young age, she was driven by a commitment to social justice and academic excellence, which gave her the foundation to build a long and respected career in the Portuguese education system. Prior to her husband’s rise to the Prime Ministry, she dedicated herself to the classroom, focusing on the development and empowerment of her students.
Although she navigated the challenges of balancing a demanding professional life with the increasing pressures of her husband’s political trajectory, Fernanda’s intellectual drive and steady temperament helped her maintain her independence. Today, she is viewed as a strong, principled woman who inspires many in Portugal through her quiet dignity and her lifelong dedication to the public good.
Fernanda Tadeu Education
Fernanda Tadeu’s education is centered on her lifelong career as a dedicated educator in Portugal.
- Professional Training: She is a trained kindergarten teacher (educadora de infância).
- Academic Focus: Her studies and subsequent career focused on early childhood development and the Portuguese public education system.
- Educational Advocacy: Beyond her formal training, she has been a vocal proponent of teachers’ rights and the importance of public health awareness within educational settings
Fernanda Tadeu Family
Fernanda Tadeu maintains a close-knit and supportive family life centered around her long-standing partnership with her husband:
- Husband: António Costa, President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Portugal.
- Son: Pedro Miguel Tadeu Costa, a law graduate.
- Daughter: Catarina Tadeu Costa.
Fernanda Tadeu Career Journey
Fernanda Tadeu’s career is defined by her decades-long dedication to the Portuguese education system, maintaining a distinct professional identity despite her husband António Costa’s high-profile political rise.
Early Professional Foundation
- Dedication to Education: Fernanda built her career as a kindergarten teacher (educadora de infância), a role she held for many years in the public sector.
- Classroom Advocacy: Unlike many political spouses, she intentionally chose to remain in the classroom for the majority of her husband’s career, focusing on early childhood pedagogy rather than assuming a purely ceremonial role.
Role During the Prime Ministership (2015–2024)
- A “Discreet Anchor”: During her husband’s three terms as Prime Minister, Fernanda was often described by the Portuguese media as his “secret support.” She famously avoided the limelight, prioritizing her own professional commitments over political optics.
- Advocacy for Teachers: She became a quiet but powerful symbol for the teaching profession in Portugal, particularly when she stood with her colleagues during national debates on teachers’ rights and working conditions.
- Diplomatic and Ceremonial Presence: When required, she fulfilled state duties with poise, such as receiving Queen Letizia of Spain for gala dinners and accompanying her husband to international art fairs and summits.
Resilience and Public Solidarity
- Crisis Management: Her career journey is also marked by personal resilience; in 2019, she took a temporary hiatus to successfully undergo surgery for a pulmonary tumor, eventually returning to her public-facing supportive duties.
- 2026 and Beyond: Following António Costa’s resignation in 2024 and his subsequent political transitions, Fernanda has remained his most visible personal ally. In the 2026 landscape, she continues to be recognized for her unwavering dignity, notably seen sitting alongside photojournalists on the floor during her husband’s most challenging press conferences to show personal solidarity.
Interesting Facts About Fernanda Tadeu
- Fernanda Tadeu was born in 1959, making her 67 years old in 2026.
- She is a dedicated kindergarten teacher who maintained her career in education throughout her husband’s time as Prime Minister.
- She has been married to António Costa since July 31, 1987, serving as his primary confidante for nearly 40 years.
- In a notable show of solidarity during the 2023 political crisis, she famously sat on the floor with photojournalists during her husband’s press conference to offer personal support.
- She is a cancer survivor, having successfully undergone surgery for a pulmonary tumor in 2019.
- She has two children, Pedro and Catarina, whom she has largely kept out of the intense media spotlight.
- Despite her role as a high-profile spouse, she is known for her minimalist and discreet style, often avoiding the “first lady” persona in favor of professional independence.
- She is widely admired in Portugal for her resilience and authenticity, particularly her advocacy for public health and teachers’ rights. [1
