PORTO, Portugal — Jorge Costa, a revered figure in Portuguese football and a former captain and representative for Portugal, has died at the age of 53. Heart failure was cited as the cause of death by the club where Costa recently served as a professional football director.
A Porto Legend Lost
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The former defender, a World Cup winner at the under-20 level, collapsed at the club’s training center and passed away after being transported to the hospital.
- Jorge Costa, 53, died of heart failure.
- He was a legendary player and captain for FC Porto.
- Costa won the Champions League with FC Porto in 2004.
- He was a 50-time Portuguese international.
- Costa returned to FC Porto as a director in June 2024.
Costa’s most impactful years were spent at FC Porto, where he spent 15 seasons. His decorated career with the club included eight league titles and five cup victories. A year before their historic Champions League triumph in 2004, Costa also led Porto to victory in the UEFA Cup.
International Acclaim
As a Portuguese international, Costa earned 50 caps. He was a key member of the squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2000 European Championship. That same year, he was recognized as the Portuguese League’s best player.
His talent was evident from a young age. Nine years prior, alongside Luis Figo, Costa was part of the under-20 World Cup-winning team. He famously converted a penalty in the final against Brazil. Costa also achieved success at the youth international level, being a European Championship runner-up with the under-21 team in 1994 and the under-17 team in 1988.
Jorge Costa left us. One of us, a leader, captain, example. A symbol of FC Porto.
Thank you for FC Porto until the end.
Until always, Jorge Costa. pic.twitter.com/XTmW5WVEHj— FC Porto (@fcporto) August 5, 2025
Post-Playing Career
Following his playing career, Costa transitioned into coaching. He managed numerous clubs across different countries, including stints in Brazil, Bojuj, Limassol, Tours, Mumbai, and the Gabon national team. His return to FC Porto in June 2024 marked his arrival in a directorial capacity.
He captained the club during its most successful period, culminating in the 2004 Champions League victory, and left an indelible mark as a symbol of dedication and leadership.
“Jorge Costa’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of all FC Porto supporters. We will never forget you, captain,” the club stated, reflecting on the profound impact of his passing. His death is a significant loss for the club, especially following the recent passing of Diogo Jota.
The club expressed deep sorrow, calling it a “black year” and mourning the loss of “another legend.” They described him as “the captain of all captains” and “the greatest symbol of blue-white,” noting his influence both on and off the pitch as an inspiration for generations. Even rivals, like Benfica, offered tributes, acknowledging Costa as a pivotal figure in Portuguese football, stating, “Portuguese football is poorer.”
