The football world has been shaken by the untimely passing of Jorge Costa, the former captain of FC Porto, who died at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club’s training facility. The tragic news was confirmed by FC Porto, stirring sadness among fans and colleagues alike across the sporting community. Costa’s death is not just a loss to an individual but a significant blow to the club that he represented with such dedication and passion over his illustrious career.
Jorge Costa was best known for his role as a steadfast defender and captain during a golden era for FC Porto. He played a critical part in leading the team to Champions League glory under the distinguished management of José Mourinho in 2004. Over his time with Porto, Costa made 324 official appearances and scored 20 goals, contributing to the club’s impressive haul of trophies, including a remarkable total of 24 championships, which comprised the prestigious UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, and eight Primeira Liga titles.
Costa’s footballing journey began as he graduated from Porto’s famed academy, showcasing remarkable talent from an early age. Before retiring from professional play in 2006, he briefly pursued a loan spell at Charlton Athletic in the Premier League during the 2001-2002 season, where he made notable contributions with 26 appearances. After his retirement as a player, Costa shifted gears to management and undertook various roles across 16 clubs, ultimately becoming the director of professional football at FC Porto last season.
The news of Costa’s passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from the footballing community. José Mourinho, who managed Costa during the peak of his career, fought back tears as he spoke to the media ahead of an important Champions League match against Feyenoord. Mourinho expressed that if Costa could speak one last time, he would encourage him to focus on the upcoming game, affirming Costa’s character as a player who always prioritized the team’s success.
Costa’s spirit was profoundly embodied in the sentiments shared by his former teammates. Deco, a fellow teammate during the Champions League-winning season, referred to Costa as a “legendary captain” and shared his condolences over social media, echoing the sentiment that Portuguese football and FC Porto had lost one of its greatest symbols. Moreover, another former teammate, Pepe, expressed his heartfelt condolences, stating that Costa’s dedication and legacy would forever be a part of FC Porto’s extraordinary history.
The summer of 2025 has witnessed a somber trend for FC Porto, with Costa’s death marking the third significant loss of former players in a short span, following the unfortunate demise of Diogo Jota and his brother in July. This string of tragedies has awakened deep sorrow in the hearts of fans and the footballing community, emphasizing the fragile nature of life and the lasting impacts left by those who have passed.
In recognition of his illustrious contributions to the game, Costa was awarded the Portuguese Golden Ball in 2000, recognizing him as the league’s best player at the time. His remarkable journey from player to manager saw him impart his knowledge at various clubs, including stints in Romania, Cyprus, Tunisia, India, and Gabon, ultimately revealing his universal appeal and influence.
As the footballing world mourns Jorge Costa’s passing, it reflects on a career that was undoubtedly marked by brilliance, leadership, and unwavering spirit. His legacy will surely inspire future generations and remain forever etched in the records of FC Porto and Portuguese football. The intense emotions surrounding his death underline the profound effect he had not only as a player but also as a mentor and a symbol of resilience in the sport he so dearly loved.
