Jorge Costa's Unfinished Career at Dragão: A Player's Persistent Remembrance of Unfulfilled Ambitions
Jorge Costa, a former FC Porto player and a key member of the 'golden generation', has embarked on an exciting coaching career since hanging up his boots. After accepting a challenge from André Villas-Boas, he became part of the structure as the director of professional football.
His coaching journey began in his native Portugal, where he managed various clubs including Oliveirense, Portimonense, Aves, Olhanense, Académica, Paços de Ferreira, Farense, and most recently, Vitória Setúbal.
His stint at Oliveirense marked the start of his managerial career in the Portuguese second division. A brief spell at Aves followed, before he took charge of Olhanense, which was then in the Primeira Liga. However, his tenure was short-lived.
He then moved to manage Portimonense, also in Portugal’s second tier, and later ventured into Cyprus with AEL Limassol. Back in Portugal, he coached Vitória Setúbal in the Primeira Liga, again for a relatively short period.
In 2017, Costa moved to Brazil to manage América Mineiro in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B. Continuing in Brazil, he took charge of Avaí FC, competing in Brazil's Serie A. He then managed Águilas Doradas in Colombia before returning to Portugal to coach Farense. In 2022, he took on a role in Egypt with Pyramids FC.
Throughout his coaching career, Costa has demonstrated his adaptability to different football cultures and leagues. His tenure at SC Braga, where he worked as an assistant coach before becoming the main coach of SC Braga, known as the Bragarnese, is a testament to his versatility.
As a player, Costa was an absolute starter for the National Team at Euro 2000, where they reached the semifinals. He was part of the 'golden generation' that won the 1991 Under-20 World Cup. After the 2002 World Cup, he renounced the National Selection.
Known as "the beast", Costa dominated the blue and white defense in the 90s. He represented FC Porto for nearly 20 years, playing over 380 games. He was elected by Mourinho as one of the best captains he had coached. Costa was also a pentachampion with FC Porto, the only team to achieve this in Portugal. In 1999, he lifted the last of five consecutive titles for FC Porto, wearing the captain's armband. He won the Champions League with FC Porto alongside José Mourinho, with whom he also won the UEFA Cup in consecutive years.
As Jorge Costa continues to make his mark in the world of football, his diverse and international coaching journey serves as a testament to his passion and adaptability in the game he loves.
Jorge Costa's coaching career includes managing teams in European leagues, such as his stint with SC Braga in Portugal, a team he both assisted and coached. He also participated in European competitions, winning the Champions League with FC Porto. In addition to his accomplishments in Portugal, Costa has ventured into other countries’ football scenes, including Brazil, where he coached América Mineiro in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, and Colombia, where he managed Águilas Doradas. Despite his strong affiliation with FC Porto, where he dominated as a defender for nearly 20 years, he has shown adaptability to diverse football cultures and leagues throughout his coaching journey.
