Porto mourn club legend Jorge Costa
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
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Portuguese football is mourning the death of Jorge Costa, who has passed away at the age of 53 following a cardiac arrest.
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The former Portugal centre-back made 50 appearances and scored two goals for his national team between 1992 and 2002, notably winning the 1991 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and helping his country to reach the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2000.
Beginning his career with Porto, he went on to play more than 375 matches with the Dragões, captaining his side to both the 2003 UEFA Cup and 2004 UEFA Champions League titles. Portuguese champion on eight occasions with Porto, the defender also won five Portuguese Cups and lifted the 2004 European/South American Cup.
“Futebol Clube do Porto expresses its deepest sadness and consternation at the passing of an inescapable figure in the club's history," said a club statement. "Throughout his life, Jorge Costa embodied, on and off the field, the values that define FC Porto: dedication, leadership, passion, and an unwavering spirit of conquest. He influenced generations of fans and became a major symbol of Porto."
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin also paid tribute, adding: "It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the sudden passing of Jorge Costa.
"A legend of Portuguese football, Jorge was more than a football player – he was a leader and a true warrior who inspired generations. He embodied grit, resilience and loyalty. His unforgettable moment lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2004 remains a legendary tribute to his unwavering dedication and spirit.
"On behalf of UEFA and the European football family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, team-mates, and all who are grieving his loss."
Jorge Costa, who also represented FC Penafiel, CS Marítimo, Charlton Athletic and Standard de Liège as a player, retired in 2006 and went on to pursue a coaching career which included stints with SC Braga, CFR Cluj, AEL Limassol and Gabon’s national team. He returned to Porto in 2024 as director of football following the election of new chairman André Villas-Boas.
Luís Montenegro, Prime Minister of Portugal
"This unexpected and premature departure of Jorge Costa is a shock. He was an athlete of my generation and an example of dedication and commitment to the teams he was part of and to our national team. My deepest condolences to his family and friends, to the national team, and to FC Porto."
Statement from the Portuguese Football Federation
“The Portuguese Football Federation deeply regrets the death of Jorge Costa. Footballer, coach, manager, and current director of professional football at FC Porto, Jorge Costa was one of the most remarkable players of a generation fundamental to the establishment of Portuguese football.”