The football world is in mourning following the unexpected passing of Jorge Costa, former captain of FC Porto and the club’s current director of football, who died on August 5 at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Costa, a legendary figure in Portuguese football and once a trusted leader under Jose Mourinho, collapsed while working at FC Porto's Olival training ground. According to local reports from Sao Joao Hospital and Radio Renascença, he was treated immediately on-site with a defibrillator by the club’s medical staff before being rushed to the hospital. Despite emergency efforts, he passed away shortly after arriving.
This tragic event has left a deep void in both the FC Porto community and the broader footballing world. It was later confirmed that Costa had a history of heart-related issues — including a heart attack in 2022, which led to a catheterization procedure.
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An Unforgettable Legacy at FC Porto
Jorge Costa's name is synonymous with FC Porto. Over a 15-year career at the club, he made 383 appearances and scored 25 goals. As team captain, he famously led Porto to Champions League glory in 2004 under Mourinho, defeating AS Monaco 3-0 in the final — a pinnacle in both their careers.
His list of achievements is long and illustrious:
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8 Portuguese league titles
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5 Portuguese Cups
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8 Portuguese Super Cups
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1 UEFA Cup
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1 Intercontinental Cup
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1 UEFA Champions League title
Costa also earned 50 caps for the Portuguese national team, scoring twice and appearing in both the World Cup and European Championship. Known for his grit and leadership, he briefly played in the Premier League with Charlton Athletic and ended his playing days at Standard Liège in Belgium.
A Coaching Career Across Continents
Following his retirement in 2006, Costa transitioned into coaching, managing clubs in Portugal and abroad — including stints in Romania (CFR Cluj), Cyprus (Anorthosis, AEL Limassol), France (Tours), India, and Tunisia (CS Sfaxien). While he never quite reached the same heights as he did as a player, his passion for football never waned.
Football World Pays Tribute to ‘The Tank’
Tributes have poured in from around the world. FC Porto released a heartfelt statement calling him an “irreplaceable figure” and adding, “You will never be forgotten, captain.”
Sporting CP, FC Porto’s historic rivals, also offered condolences, recognizing Costa’s lasting contribution to Portuguese football. Charlton Athletic, where Costa was affectionately nicknamed “The Tank”, remembered him as one of the finest defenders to represent the club, despite making only 26 appearances during the 2001–02 season.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) described Costa as “one of the defining players of his generation”, acknowledging his role in shaping the modern era of Portuguese football.
Emotional Farewell from Mourinho and UEFA
Jose Mourinho, who shared a special bond with Costa during Porto’s golden era, posted a moving tribute on Instagram:
“I know what you’d say now if you could. 'Don’t cry. You have a match tomorrow, and your players need you to be strong.' I promise you, Bicho, I’ll do just that. Rest in peace — your legacy is eternal.”
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin also paid tribute, calling Costa “a true warrior and leader who inspired countless players.” He highlighted the 2004 Champions League win as a symbol of Costa’s indomitable spirit.
National Mourning in Portugal
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed condolences, describing Costa as “a symbol of commitment, dedication, and passion — both for the clubs he served and for the national team.”
As tributes continue to flood in, one thing is clear: Jorge Costa was far more than just a footballer. He was a leader, a mentor, and a legend whose legacy will endure in the hearts of fans for generations to come.
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