Former Porto Captain Jorge Costa Dies at 53
Costa, a celebrated defender, famously captained Porto to their 2004 Champions League victory under manager Jose Mourinho
- Jorge Costa, the legendary former captain of Porto, has died at the age of 53
- He suffered a cardiac arrest at the club's training center
- His honors include the Champions League, the Uefa Cup, and eight Primeira Liga titles
Jorge Costa, the legendary former captain of Porto, has died at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club’s training center. The Portuguese club confirmed the tragic news today.
Costa, a celebrated defender, famously captained Porto to their 2004 Champions League victory under manager Jose Mourinho. He also earned 50 caps for Portugal during his career. After retiring from playing in 2006, Costa transitioned into management, holding positions at 16 different clubs across the globe, including stints in Portugal, Romania, Cyprus, Tunisia, India, and Gabon. He returned to Porto last season to serve as the club’s director of professional football.
“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,” the club said in a statement. “He left his mark on generations of fans.”
A product of Porto’s academy, Costa made 324 appearances for the club, winning a remarkable 24 trophies before his departure in 2005. His honors include the Champions League, the Uefa Cup, and eight Primeira Liga titles. In 2000, he was awarded the Portuguese Golden Ball as the league’s best player.
This marks the third unexpected death of a former Porto player this summer, following the tragic passing of former loanee Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in July.
