Former FC Porto Captain Jorge Costa Dies at 53

Portuguese football is mourning the loss of Jorge Costa, a legendary former FC Porto captain, who died at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club’s training ground, Sport360NG reports.

Costa, who was a central figure in Porto’s golden era under José Mourinho, famously captained the side to UEFA Champions League triumph in 2004. Over the course of his career, he earned 50 caps for the Portuguese national team and was widely respected for his commanding presence at the heart of defence.

His playing career included a brief spell in the Premier League with Charlton Athletic during the 2001–02 season, before retiring in 2006. Following his retirement, Costa turned to coaching, managing 16 different teams across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Most recently, he returned to Porto in an executive capacity, serving as the club’s director of professional football.

“Jorge Costa represented everything FC Porto stands for, commitment, leadership, passion, and the relentless will to win,” the club said in a statement. “His legacy will live on in the hearts of generations of fans.”

Costa’s death is the third tragedy to hit the Porto community this summer, following the deaths of former loanee Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, both of whom spent significant time at the club.

Current Fenerbahçe manager José Mourinho, visibly emotional at a press conference ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League clash with Feyenoord, paid tribute to his former captain.

“If he could talk to me now, he’d say, ‘Do your press conference, play the game, win, and don’t worry about me,’” Mourinho said. “I’ll try to do my job for now, and mourn him later.”

Costa, a product of Porto’s youth system, made 324 appearances for the senior team and won 24 trophies during his time at the club. His silverware haul includes the Champions League, UEFA Cup, and eight Primeira Liga titles.

Former team-mate Deco, reflecting on his time alongside Costa, described him as a “legendary captain” and used his well-known nickname, “Bicho” (Portuguese for “bug”), in a heartfelt message on social media.

“Portuguese football and FC Porto have lost one of their greatest icons,” Deco wrote. “You were the essence of Porto’s spirit, strong, determined, inspirational. It was an honour to win titles with you. Your name will always live on. Rest well, Bicho.”

Veteran defender Pepe, who also played with Costa at Porto, added: “Your passion and legacy will always be part of FC Porto’s history. My thoughts are with your family. Rest in peace.”

In 2000, Costa was honoured with the Portuguese Golden Ball, recognising him as the league’s best player. Despite a well-documented rift with then-coach Octávio Machado, which led to his loan move to Charlton, he remained a respected figure in English football.

“He was a leader and a great guy,” said former Charlton manager Alan Curbishley. “He had presence, ability, and earned the respect of everyone.”

Costa began his coaching career at Braga, a club that expressed its condolences and said his death had deeply affected the entire Portuguese sporting community.

After domestic spells at Olhanense and Académica, he went on to manage clubs in Romania, Tunisia, Cyprus, India, and Gabon, further expanding his football legacy across continents.