Champion soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo leads condolences following the death of former team captain Jorge Costa in his 53rd year. Costa, a crucial figure in Jose Mourinho's Champions League-winning squad, passes away.

Jorge Costa, a legendary figure in Portuguese football, passed away at the age of 53 due to a cardiac arrest at Porto's training centre on Tuesday. Costa, who spent 15 years at Porto during his playing career and was their director of football, leaves behind a rich legacy in the world of football.

A Distinguished Playing Career

Costa began his youth career in 1989-90 at FC Porto's U19 team, progressing to loan spells at Penafiel (1990/91), Marítimo (1991/92), and with Porto's senior side from 1992/93 onward. From the early 1990s to 2006, he spent the vast majority of his career at FC Porto, playing over 375 matches and captaining the team in a golden era for the club. He briefly played on loan at Charlton Athletic (2002/03 season) in the English Premier League and finished his playing career at Belgian side Standard Liège in 2006.

Costa earned 50 caps and scored two goals for the Portuguese national team between 1992 and 2002. He notably won the 1991 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and helped Portugal reach the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2000. He retired from international football after the 2002 FIFA World Cup following Portugal's group-stage exit.

Notable Achievements (Playing)

During his time at Porto, Costa won numerous titles, including eight league titles, a UEFA Cup, an Intercontinental Cup, five Taça de Portugal trophies, and eight Portuguese Super Cups. He was the skipper for Jose Mourinho's 2004 Champions League-winning team, a feat he celebrated by lifting the trophy as captain.

A Successful Managerial Career

While the details of Costa's managerial career are not fully documented, it is known that after retiring as a player, Costa transitioned into coaching and managerial roles, including managing clubs in Portugal and abroad, before becoming FC Porto's football director. After retiring from playing, he moved into coaching and later served as FC Porto's football director until his death in 2025.

Mourned by the Football Community

Sporting Lisbon, Porto's rivals, have also released a statement expressing their sorrow for the passing of Costa. Reinaldo Teixeira, President of Liga Portugal, added a statement expressing his sorrow for the passing of Costa. Cristiano Ronaldo posted a tribute for Costa on social media, saying "Ate sempre Jorge Costa" which translates to 'Until Forever' or 'Always'.

Porto have posted a tribute for Costa, writing: "Jorge Costa has left us. One of us, a leader, captain, example. A symbol of FC Porto. Thank you for being FC Porto until the end. Forever, Jorge Costa."

Jorge Costa remains an iconic figure in Portuguese football, especially revered at FC Porto for his leadership, dedication, and sporting success. His passing is a great loss to the football community.

Jorge Costa, after a successful playing career spanning 15 years at FC Porto, also managed clubs in Portugal and abroad, becoming their football director before his death in 2025.
Costa's managerial career followed his retirement as a player, during which he won numerous titles, including eight league titles, a UEFA Cup, an Intercontinental Cup, five Taça de Portugal trophies, and eight Portuguese Super Cups while captaining Porto.
Despite being a legendary figure at FC Porto, Costa also played for Charlton Athletic in the English Premier League and Standard Liège in Belgium towards the end of his career.
As a player, Costa represented Portugal in 50 matches and scored two goals, winning the 1991 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and helping Portugal reach the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2000.
Jorge Costa's passing is mourned by the football community, with tributes pouring in from Portuguese and European leagues, including Sporting Lisbon, Liga Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Porto themselves, who described him as an iconic figure, leader, and symbol of FC Porto.