Jorge Costa, often renowned as "The Eternal Legend," has passed away.
Portuguese Football Legend Jorge Costa Passes Away at 53
Jorge Costa, a prominent figure in Portuguese football, passed away on August 5, 2025, at the age of 53. The news was confirmed following a heart attack (cardiac arrest) during a pre-season training session with FC Porto, where he was serving as the club’s director of football.
The incident occurred at the FC Porto training center in Olival this afternoon. Costa initially experienced symptoms and was attended to using a defibrillator at the scene before being rushed to the Hospital de São João in Paranhos, Porto. However, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Jorge Costa, affectionately known as "Bicho" (animal) and "Tank" for his aggressive and commanding style as a central defender, was a legendary figure for FC Porto. He captained the club for many years, making 383 appearances and winning 24 major trophies, including eight Primeira Liga titles, the UEFA Cup in 2003, and the Champions League in 2004 under José Mourinho. Internationally, he earned 50 caps for Portugal, participating in one World Cup and one European Championship.
FC Porto issued a heartfelt statement expressing “deepest sadness and consternation” and underlined that "Jorge Costa’s legacy will forever live on in the memory of all Porto fans." Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute with a message saying “Farewell Jorge Costa” on Instagram. Charlton Athletic, where Costa played on loan in the 2001/02 season and was affectionately called “The Tank,” described him as one of their finest centre-backs and expressed deep sadness.
José Mourinho, who coached Costa to Champions League glory, was visibly emotional and praised his leadership and spirit, saying Costa "would want me to do my job" and expressing intent to mourn privately. Other notable tributes came from former teammates and coaches such as Deco, Pepe, and Alan Curbishley, reflecting Costa’s impact beyond Portugal.
The news has provoked widespread sadness and tributes across football communities. Updates on reactions to Jorge Costa's passing will be provided in the coming hours. Costa's death is seen as part of a tragic period for FC Porto, following recent losses of other former players, shaking the Portuguese football community deeply.
[1] Notícias ao Minuto [2] Desporto ao Minuto [3] BBC Sport [4] ESPN FC
European football leagues are mourning the loss of Portuguese football legend Jorge Costa, who passed away on August 5 at the age of 53 following a heart attack during a pre-season training session with FC Porto. Costa, nicknamed "Bicho" and "The Tank" for his aggressive and commanding style, was a legendary figure for FC Porto, making 383 appearances and winning 24 major trophies, including eight Primeira Liga titles, the UEFA Cup in 2003, and the Champions League in 2004 under José Mourinho.
