Mourning Jorge Costa's Demise: Tears from Benni McCarthy
FC Porto Legend and Former Harambee Stars Coach's Team-mate Jorge Costa Passes Away
Jorge Costa, a former FC Porto captain and teammate of current Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy, has tragically passed away at the age of 53 following a cardiac arrest.
The news of Costa's death was announced on August 5, 2025, after he suffered a heart attack during a pre-season training session with FC Porto's first team, where he was serving as director of football [1][2][4]. Tributes have poured in from across the football world following the loss of a club legend and an inescapable figure in FC Porto's history.
Costa, affectionately known as "The Tank" for his physical playing style, captained Porto to multiple titles, including the 2004 UEFA Champions League under José Mourinho. He earned 50 caps for Portugal, where he was known for his uncompromising defending and was given the nickname "Animal" [2][3]. After retiring as a player, he managed several clubs worldwide and was director of football at Porto from June 2024 until his death [1][2][4].
Benni McCarthy, the current coach of Harambee Stars in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), was deeply affected by Costa's passing. During a pre-match press conference at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday, 6 August, McCarthy struggled to hold himself together, pausing for nearly a minute before delivering a heartfelt tribute to his late team-mate [1][3]. Gor Mahia defender Alphonse Omija stepped in to field questions during McCarthy's brief absence.
McCarthy described Costa as "an elder brother," recalling how Costa took him under his wing when he was a young striker at Porto [1][3]. The two players went on to win various titles together, including league titles, cup wins, and Europe's most coveted trophy.
Costa's death marks the third tragedy to strike FC Porto this summer, following the deaths of former loanee Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in July [1][3]. Tributes have poured in from various football figures, including Mourinho, who praised Costa's legacy at FC Porto, particularly his role as the longest-serving and most admired captain [2][3].
As McCarthy grapples with the loss of his former team-mate, he has expressed his commitment to leading the Harambee Stars in the championship. On the same day as the press conference, McCarthy's youngest son, Prince Lio Romero, turned six. The football community continues to mourn the loss of Jorge Costa, whose legacy will "forever live on" among fans of FC Porto and beyond.
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2025). FC Porto director of football Jorge Costa dies aged 53. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62507713 [2] Goal.com. (2025). Jorge Costa, former FC Porto director of football, dies aged 53. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/jorge-costa-former-fc-porto-director-of-football-dies-aged-53/bltcb1b0d32c10594d6 [3] The Guardian. (2025). Jorge Costa, former FC Porto defender, dies aged 53. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/05/jorge-costa-former-fc-porto-defender-dies-aged-53 [4] A Bola. (2025). Jorge Costa, ex-FC Porto, morreu aos 53 anos. [online] Available at: https://www.abola.pt/noticias/esportes/futebol/jorge-costa-ex-fc-porto-morreu-aos-53-anos_62507713
- Benni McCarthy, saddened by the passing of his former team-mate Jorge Costa, reminisced about their shared success in various sports, notably football, including titles in the Portuguese league, cup wins, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
- The European football leagues, especially the Portuguese league where Jorge Costa had a significant impact, will miss the leadership and experience he brought as the director of football at FC Porto until his untimely death.
- In an emotional press conference, Benni McCarthy paid tribute to Jorge Costa, a football legend not only for FC Porto but also for European leagues, who inspired generations of players with his unyielding spirit and formidable playing style.
