Porto'sex-captain, Jorge Costa, succumbs to a heart attack at the age of 53
Jorge Costa, a towering central defender and an iconic figure in Portuguese football, passed away at the age of 53 following a heart attack. His death on Tuesday at Olival, Porto's training and formation center, has left a profound impact on the football community, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the globe.
An Exceptional Career with FC Porto
Costa's career was primarily associated with FC Porto, where he spent 15 years (1990–2005) and made 383 appearances, scoring 25 goals. During this period, he led the club to unprecedented success, winning eight Primeira Liga titles, five Taça de Portugal trophies, eight Super Cups, one UEFA Cup (now the UEFA Europa League), one Intercontinental Cup, and the most coveted of all – the UEFA Champions League in 2004.
Costa was the captain of the Porto team that, under José Mourinho, achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Champions League by defeating Monaco 3-0 in the final. His leadership and tactical acumen were instrumental in the club's golden era, earning him the reputation of a "man mountain" for his fearless and commanding presence on the field.
National Team and International Adventures
Costa's international career was equally impressive, with 50 caps for Portugal. He participated in one FIFA World Cup and one UEFA European Championship, scoring two goals. In addition to his domestic success, Costa played abroad on loan for Charlton Athletic in the English Premier League during the 2001/02 season.
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
After retiring from playing in 2006, Costa embarked on a managerial career, leading teams in Romania, Cyprus, France, India, and Tunisia. In 2024, he returned to FC Porto as the Director of Football, a testament to his enduring impact on the club.
Off the field, Costa was remembered as a fierce and unyielding leader, whose passion and dedication epitomized the spirit of FC Porto and Portuguese football. The Portuguese Football Federation described him as one of the most outstanding players of a generation.
A Life Cut Short
On the day of his death, Jorge Costa started feeling unwell in the morning and was taken to Sao Joao Hospital in critical condition. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, they were unable to save him.
The loss of Jorge Costa has left a void in Portuguese football, but his legacy will live on. His trophy-laden career, indomitable spirit, and unwavering commitment to the game will continue to inspire generations of footballers to come.
[1]: [Source 1] [2]: [Source 2] [3]: [Source 3] [4]: [Source 4] [5]: [Source 5]
- In his retired life, Jorge Costa also pursued an extensive managerial career across Europe and Asia, overseeing teams in Romania, Cyprus, France, India, and Tunisia, showcasing his continued dedication to sports even beyond his time as a player.
- Despite his vast achievements in European-leagues, particularly with FC Porto, Costa's impact transcended the boundaries of just football, with many admirers praising him as an exceptional artist on the field due to his unparalleled leadership, tactical prowess, and indomitable spirit in sports.
