FC Porto and the wider football community are in mourning following the death of Jorge Costa, the legendary former captain who led the club to a Champions League triumph in 2004. Costa passed away at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club's training center.
The news was confirmed by FC Porto, where Costa had returned in 2024 to serve as the Director of Professional Football. He was rushed to the hospital after collapsing but could not be saved.
Known affectionately as "The Tank" or "The Beast" for his physical prowess and uncompromising style of play, Costa was a cornerstone of FC Porto's success. He spent a large part of his playing career with the club, making 383 appearances and winning a remarkable 24 major trophies. His most celebrated achievement was captaining the Jose Mourinho-led side to the UEFA Cup in 2003 and the UEFA Champions League title in 2004.
Beyond his playing career, Costa ventured into management, coaching a number of clubs across various countries, including a stint with Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League. He also served as the manager of the Gabon national team.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world, with FC Porto issuing a statement honoring his legacy. The club described him as an "inescapable figure in the club's history" who embodied the values of "dedication, leadership, passion and an unshakeable spirit of conquest."
His former club, Charlton Athletic, where he played on loan in the 2001-02 season, also expressed deep sadness, with the chairman of their Ex-Players' Association, Steve Brown, describing him as a "man mountain of a player and a great guy too."
Costa's death is a profound loss to football, and his legacy as a leader and a symbol of FC Porto's golden era will be remembered for generations to come.
