Farewell words from Anselmi to Jorge Costa: "I'll miss you, my buddy"
FC Porto Mourns the Loss of Legendary Captain Jorge Costa
Jorge Costa, a former FC Porto player and current director of professional football, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 53. The news sent shockwaves through the football community, with tributes pouring in for the man who played a pivotal role in one of the most celebrated eras in the club's history.
Costa, known for his nickname "The Tank," spent 15 years at FC Porto, making 383 appearances and scoring 25 goals. He was widely recognized as the club's captain, leading the team through its most successful period, especially under manager José Mourinho.
During his tenure, Costa helped Porto win numerous trophies. He captained the team to win the 2004 UEFA Champions League, one of the club's greatest triumphs, where Porto defeated Monaco 3-0 in the final. Costa also won eight Primeira Liga (Portuguese league) titles, five Taça de Portugal (Portuguese Cup) trophies, eight Super Cups, and the Intercontinental Cup.
Costa's defensive leadership, aerial ability, and organizing skills anchored Porto’s defense, especially during the Mourinho era when Porto rose unexpectedly to European glory. Off the pitch, he was a motivational figure, embodying determination and loyalty.
After retiring as a player in 2006, Costa transitioned into coaching and football management roles before returning to FC Porto in an executive capacity as Sporting Director later in his life. He was appointed as the director of football for FC Porto by president André Villas-Boas.
Vítor Bruno was replaced by Martín Anselmi as head coach of FC Porto after Costa's death. Anselmi joined FC Porto midway through the 2024/25 season. The cause of Costa's death was a cardiac arrest, which occurred in the emergency room of São João Hospital, where he was taken after feeling unwell at FC Porto's training center in Olival, Vila Nova de Gaia.
The news of Costa's death has not been specified as to whether it is related to his role as a football official or his past as a player. No information is provided about the current status of André Villas-Boas' presidency at FC Porto.
Costa began his career with FC Porto in 1992 and played for the club until 2005. He also represented the Portuguese national team 50 times, including in one World Cup and one European Championship. Costa's career at FC Porto is marked not only by his longevity and success as a player but also by his leadership as captain during one of the most celebrated eras in the club's history.
[1] FC Porto Official Website: Jorge Costa's Biography
[2] The Guardian: Jorge Costa, the Tank, dies aged 53
[3] ESPN: FC Porto legend Jorge Costa dies aged 53
[4] BBC Sport: Jorge Costa, FC Porto and Portugal defender, dies aged 53
[5] Sky Sports: Jorge Costa dies aged 53 after FC Porto career and 50 caps for Portugal
[1] Jorge Costa, the legendary captain of FC Porto, played a significant role in the club's success, especially during its victorious 2004 Champions League campaign.
[2] Costa's leadership as captain was instrumental in FC Porto's dominance in both Portuguese leagues and European competitions, such as the Champions League.
