Jorge Costa, once the strong leader of FC Porto who guided the team to lift the Champions League trophy, has passed away at the age of 53.
According to the club, Costa died on Tuesday following a cardiac arrest. He had also been serving as the football director of FC Porto during his later years.
Through an official statement, FC Porto expressed deep sorrow over the passing of a man who played a major role in shaping the club’s legacy.
They described Jorge Costa as someone who, both on and off the pitch, represented what the club has always stood for: strong dedication, bold leadership, heartfelt passion, and a fighting spirit that never faded.
The club shared its condolences with Costa’s family, his friends, and those who had shared unforgettable moments with him during his time at FC Porto. They also asked for privacy and respect during this moment of mourning for both Costa’s loved ones and the entire Porto family.
The message ended by declaring that Costa’s contribution would always remain with those who love FC Porto. “You will never be forgotten, Captain,” the statement said.
His Career Stats and Glory Days
Costa represented FC Porto in 383 matches and also played 50 games for the Portugal national team. Throughout his career, he collected 24 trophies with the club. These included a UEFA Cup win in 2003 and a Champions League title under the guidance of Jose Mourinho in 2004.
He also celebrated eight Primeira Liga wins with the team. Apart from his time in Portugal, Costa had brief playing stints with Charlton Athletic in the Premier League and later wrapped up his football career in 2006 at Standard Liege in Belgium.
Mourinho Reacts with Emotion
During a news conference on Tuesday, Jose Mourinho spoke from the heart while reacting to the news of Costa’s death. He said, “I feel sad, because I have lost a piece of my past.” But he quickly turned the focus away from football, saying they should all remember Jorge the person, not just Jorge the player.
He mentioned Costa’s young children and how painful this loss is for them. Mourinho imagined what Costa would have said if he were still alive, noting that he would likely encourage him to continue with his duties.
“He’d say, ‘Go on, do your press conference.’ And tomorrow he would say, ‘Play the game, win the game, and don’t think about me.’ That’s the kind of man he was,” Mourinho said. He promised to carry on with his tasks, but added that he would mourn quietly after everything is done.
UEFA Leader Offers His Thoughts
Aleksander Čeferin, the president of UEFA, also shared a message about the late Portuguese figure. In his statement, he said Jorge Costa was far more than just a football player. He described him as a true leader and a fearless fighter who had an impact on many.
