Tragic news: Ex-Porto captain, Jorge Costa, succumbs to death at the age of 53
Jorge Costa, a former captain of José Mourinho’s 2004 Champions League-winning FC Porto side, had a significant career both on and off the pitch. His playing career spanned across multiple clubs, including FC Porto, Charlton, and various others, before he transitioned into management.
Throughout his playing career, Costa made a total of 324 appearances for FC Porto, a testament to his dedication and skill. This tenure was marked by numerous victories, as Costa was part of a squad that won 24 trophies for the club, including the Champions League, UEFA Cup, and eight Primeira Liga titles. In 2000, he was even awarded the Portuguese Golden Ball, recognizing him as the league’s best player.
After retiring from professional football in 2006, Costa embarked on a successful managerial career that took him to various countries, including Portugal, Romania, Cyprus, Tunisia, India, and Gabon. He managed a total of 16 different clubs, making a substantial impact on football both domestically and internationally.
One of his most notable achievements as a manager was guiding Olhanense back to Portugal’s first division after 34 years. He also stabilized teams in top leagues and had a brief stint in the Premier League on loan for Charlton during the 2001-02 season.
Costa’s global impact extended beyond Europe. He managed the Gabon national team for two years, expanding his influence to Africa. In 2024, he returned to FC Porto as director of football, a role indicating his broader impact on club strategy and development.
Tragically, Costa passed away in August 2025 due to a cardiac arrest while serving as Porto’s director of football at the age of 53. The Portuguese club confirmed his passing, leaving the football community in mourning.
Costa's legacy will live on, not only for his contributions to FC Porto but also for his impact on the global football scene. His leadership, both in European and African club football, his role in international football with Gabon, and his experience in emerging markets like India, reflect a versatile managerial career that bridged continents.
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While managing various clubs across different countries, Costa led his teams in multiple European leagues, including the Champions League. His impressive managerial tenure saw him guiding his teams in football leagues across Europe, Africa, and Asia. [^1], [^2], [^3]
