Tribute to Former Porto Captain Jorge Costa
Former FC Porto captain Jorge Costa has passed away at the age of 53 following a cardiac arrest at the club's training center, as confirmed by the Portuguese team.
Costa was instrumental in leading Porto to Champions League victory under the management of José Mourinho in 2004 and earned 50 caps for the Portugal national team.
He spent the 2001-02 season on loan at Charlton Athletic in the Premier League before retiring from professional football in 2006.
After his playing career, Costa transitioned into management, overseeing 16 clubs, and most recently served as Porto's director of professional football last season.
“Throughout his life, both on and off the pitch, Jorge Costa embodied the values that define FC Porto: dedication, leadership, passion, and an unshakeable spirit of conquest,” the club remarked. “He left a lasting impact on generations of fans.”
Costa graduated from Porto's academy and made 324 appearances for the club, securing a total of 24 trophies before leaving in 2005. His accolades included the Champions League, UEFA Cup, and eight Primeira Liga titles.
In 2000, he was awarded the Portuguese Golden Ball, recognizing him as the league's best player. His managerial journey took him around the world, with experiences in Portugal, Romania, Cyprus, Tunisia, India, and Gabon.