Football icons in tears as Champions League cult hero dies at age 53

News.com.au

a day ago

Champions League cult hero Jorge Costa has died at the age of 53.
Costa, who was the captain for Porto's fairy tale 2004 Champions League triumph died of a cardiac arrest on Tuesday while at Porto's training centre.
Nicknamed 'The Beast', the former defender spent 15 years at the club during his playing career and was their director of football.
According to The Sun, Costa was rushed to Sao Joao hospital in a serious condition after he suddenly collapsed.
Local reports claim Costa began to feel ill throughout the morning and was treated by club doctors with a defibrillator until an ambulance arrived.
He had just given an interview with SportTV before falling ill around midday, which saw him complain about the intense heat several times.
Costa was captain of iconic coach Jose Mourinho's now-legendary Porto side that won the Champions League in 2004.
The ex-centre-back lifted the trophy in Germany as they pulled off one of the most historic European feats.
He picked up 50 caps for Portugal, alongside making over 250 appearances for the Portuguese giants.
He also played in the Premier League for Charlton Athletic between 2001 and 2002, featuring 24 times in the English top flight.
Tributes are flowing in for Costa, with Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo posting a message on social media.
Alongside a picture of the Costa, Ronaldo wrote and an emoji of a dove: 'Ate sempre Jorge Costa'.
That translates to English to mean 'Until Forever' or 'Always'.
The most moving tribute came from Mourinho himself when he was left in tears when asked about the tragic news during a press conference for his Turkish club Fenerbahce.
'He's part of my history,' Mourinho said with a shaky voice.
'You have captains. You have leaders. There are saying sometimes that it's not about the armband at all. It's what they represent. And Jorge was one of these guys who cleaned the garbage and let his coach do his job as a coach and not as a leader of the dressing room.
'That's perfection as a coach when your captain does this work. I'm very sad. He's part of my history of course.
Jose Mourinho is moved to tears at a Fenerbahce press conference, paying tribute to the captain of his Champions League winning Porto team Jorge Costa.
Costa sadly passed away at the age of 53 due to a heart attack. pic.twitter.com/FZmQ0wji3m
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 5, 2025
'But let's forget football. Let's focus on him. Jorge was a young guy with his kids. I am very said, but I'm here now because he would tell me, 'C'mon, do your press conference'. And he would say, 'Play the game tomorrow. Win the game and forget about me'.
'That would be Jorge, so that is what I am trying to do. To play the game. To win the game and then cry after.'
Porto have also posted a tribute for their old captain and director of football, writing: 'Jorge Costa has left us.
'One of us, a leader, captain, example. A symbol of FC Porto. Thank you for being FC Porto until the end. Forever, Jorge Costa.'
Liga Portugal, the division in which he played 305 games, also released a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
They wrote: 'Liga Portugal expresses its deep sorrow for the passing of Jorge Costa, the historic captain of FC Porto and a prominent figure in national football.
'Known as the 'Beast' for his dedication, leadership, and fighting spirit, Jorge Costa was a symbol of a generation and a reference both on and off the pitch.
'In this moment of grief, Liga Portugal extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, FC Porto, and all those who shared his passion for football. Rest in peace.'
Reinaldo Teixeira, President of Liga Portugal, added: 'Jorge Costa's passing took us all by surprise.
'I deeply regret the passing of one of the most iconic figures in our football and FC Porto. His passion, leadership, and dedication to the game will leave an eternal mark.
'I have lost a friend and someone for whom I held a sincere and great personal and professional esteem.
'In this time of grief, we offer our deepest condolences to his family, his friends, and the entire FC Porto structure.' Porto's rivals, Sporting Lisbon, have also released a statement, reading: 'Sporting Clube de Portugal expresses its sorrow for the passing of Jorge Costa, football director of FC Porto and former Portuguese international.
'To his family, friends, and all those who shared his life, Sporting Clube de Portugal extends its deepest condolences, paying tribute to his memory and his contribution as a figure of FC Porto and Portuguese football.' And his old club Charlton have posted a tribute for Costa too, writing: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Jorge Costa at the age of 53.
'The thoughts of everyone at Charlton Athletic are with Jorge's family and friends at this difficult time.'
Costa's career During his time at Porto, Costa won the Champions League, eight league titles, a UEFA Cup and an Intercontinental Cup.
On top of that, he also won five Taça de Portugal trophies and eight Portuguese Super Cups.
His spell in the Premier League came towards the end of his time at Porto, joining Charlton on loan for a season in 2001. Following that stint, Costa returned to Porto and three years later, he departed permanently, ending his playing days at Belgian side Standard Liege. As well as his successful club career, he played for his country and all levels on the international stage.