Journalist Mourinho weeps on air following Jorge Costa's demise during a live broadcast
Mourinho Mourns Loss of Former Captain and Mentor Jorge Costa
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Fenerbahce, had a deeply emotional moment during a press conference for the upcoming UEFA Champions League third qualifying round match against Feyenoord. The emotion was caused by the live announcement of the death of his former player and captain, Jorge Costa.
Costa, who passed away on August 5, 2025, at age 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at Porto's training center where he was serving as the Director of Football, was a significant part of Mourinho's history.
During their successful years at Porto, Costa served as a central defender under Mourinho. He was not only a player and team captain but also later assumed a significant executive role. Mourinho described Costa’s leadership as “perfection for a coach,” emphasizing how Costa effectively “cleaned the garbage” off his shoulders, allowing him to focus purely on coaching.
One incident that epitomized Costa’s leadership was during a league match against Belenenses. Porto was 2-0 down at halftime, and Mourinho was furious heading into the locker room. Costa stopped him, asking Mourinho to wait outside while he delivered a powerful dressing room speech that rallied the team to a 3-2 comeback victory, scoring two goals himself as a center back.
Costa was a true leader and a key figure in Mourinho’s managerial journey. Mourinho referred to Costa as someone who kept everything in order, a blessing for a coach. If Costa could speak to Mourinho now, he would tell him to focus on the game. Despite his grief, Mourinho intends to do his job and focus on the upcoming match.
Mourinho knows Jorge Costa's children personally and plans to cry later. However, for now, his focus is on leading Fenerbahce in the significant challenge that lies ahead in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round against Feyenoord.
Sources: [1] [Portuguese newspaper article] [2] [Sports magazine article]
- While dealing with the passing of his mentor, Jorge Costa, Jose Mourinho, the head coach of Fenerbahce in Turkey, prepares for the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round match against Feyenoord, demonstrating his dedication to sports and European leagues, particularly Laliga.
- During his tenure at Porto, Jorge Costa, who sadly passed at the age of 53 in 2025, served as a central defender under Mourinho and exhibited leadership qualities that were instrumental in their victories, including a remarkable comeback against Belenenses in a football match.
- Despite his personal grief, Mourinho intends to focus on the upcoming Fenerbahce-Feyenoord match in Istanbul, just as Jorge Costa would have advised him, emphasizing his commitment to the world of sports and football.
