Report: Jorge Costa dies aged 53 as tributes pour in from across football
Portuguese football is in mourning following the death of Jorge Costa, a legendary figure at FC Porto, who died at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club's training ground. A former captain and stalwart defender, Costa embodied the relentless spirit and values that came to define Porto throughout the modern era.
Costa, who graduated from Porto's youth academy, was synonymous with leadership, resilience and loyalty. Over two decades, he carved out an iconic career with the club, most notably captaining them to UEFA Champions League glory under José Mourinho in 2004. He made 324 appearances for Porto, lifting 24 trophies, including eight Primeira Liga titles and the UEFA Cup.
Lifelong bond with Porto and Portugal
Costa's international impact extended to the Portugal national team, where he earned 50 caps and featured in major tournaments. Yet it was his connection to Porto that remained unbreakable.
Following his retirement from playing in 2006, Costa moved into management with a career spanning 16 clubs across Europe, Asia and Africa. Most recently, he returned to Porto last season as director of professional football—a role that underlined his enduring ties with the club.
In a statement, Porto reflected on his legacy:
'Throughout his life, both on and off the pitch, Jorge Costa embodied the values that define FC Porto: dedication, leadership, passion and an unshakeable spirit of conquest. He left his mark on generations of fans.'
Mourning across football
The footballing community has reacted with profound sadness. Fenerbahce manager José Mourinho, who coached Costa during Porto's golden era, gave an emotional tribute during a press conference ahead of his side's Champions League qualifier against Feyenoord.
'If he could speak with me now he would say, 'do your press conference, tomorrow play the game mister and win the game – forget about me',' Mourinho said. 'I'm going to try and do my job today and tomorrow, and then I'll cry after.'
Costa's former team-mates have also paid tribute. One of Porto's Champions League winners described him as a 'legendary captain who inspired us all', while another said his 'dedication and legacy will always live in the unparalleled history of victories of FC Porto.'
Career remembered across continents
After winning the Portuguese Golden Ball in 2000, Costa briefly joined Charlton Athletic in the English Premier League, where he made 26 appearances. His no-nonsense defensive style left a lasting impression in London, with former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley calling him 'a fantastic person who always got his point across.'
Costa's managerial journey included spells at Braga, Olhanense and Academica in Portugal, as well as clubs in Romania, Cyprus, Tunisia, India and Gabon. Braga said his 'passing has shaken the entire national sporting community.'
His death marks a third tragedy this summer for Porto, following two other unexpected losses involving former players connected to the club.
Jorge Costa's legacy is firmly etched into the fabric of both Porto and Portuguese football. From his fearless defending to his uncompromising leadership, he will be remembered as one of the game's true figures of strength and resolve.
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