Portuguese Football Icon Jorge Costa Passes Away at 53

Portuguese football is mourning the sudden loss of one of its most iconic figures, Jorge Costa, who tragically died of cardiac arrest at FC Porto’s training ground at the age of 53. Widely revered for his tenacity and leadership, Costa leaves behind a legacy that transcends generations of football fans.

Costa, affectionately nicknamed “Bicho,” spent the majority of his playing career at Porto, graduating from the youth academy and going on to make 324 appearances for the club. During his 16-year tenure as a central defender, he won 24 major trophies—including eight Primeira Liga titles, a UEFA Cup in 2003, and the crowning glory, the UEFA Champions League in 2004 under José Mourinho.

Internationally, Costa was capped 50 times by Portugal, forming part of a formidable defensive line during the late 1990s and early 2000s. His brief stint in the Premier League saw him loaned to Charlton Athletic in the 2001–02 season, where he made 26 appearances and left a strong impression with his commanding presence.

After retiring from professional football in 2006, Costa transitioned into coaching, managing 16 clubs over nearly two decades. His managerial career took him across continents—from Portugal to Romania, Tunisia, India, Gabon, and Cyprus—before returning home last season to serve as Porto’s director of professional football.

His sudden death follows a tragic summer for FC Porto, marking the third unexpected loss of a former player, after Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva both passed away in July.

José Mourinho, visibly emotional during a press conference with Fenerbahçe ahead of their Champions League qualifier, paid heartfelt tribute: “He’d want me to do my job. That’s who he was—a leader who never put himself first.”

Tributes poured in from former teammates and rivals alike. Deco, Costa’s teammate during Porto’s Champions League triumph, called him “the embodiment of the club’s fighting spirit,” while veteran defender Pepe honored him as a symbol of Porto’s historic success.

Costa was also awarded the Portuguese Golden Ball in 2000, a testament to his individual brilliance. From fierce tackles to tactical intelligence, he inspired a generation of defenders across Europe and beyond.

As Portugal and the wider football community grieve his loss, Jorge Costa’s name remains etched in history—a warrior on the pitch and a respected figure off it.

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