Jorge Costa Passes Away at 53
Jorge Costa, who famously led FC Porto to victory in the Champions League in 2004, has passed away at the age of 53. The esteemed former central defender experienced a cardiac arrest on Tuesday, prompting a visit to the hospital after he reported feeling unwell during training at the Olival complex. His death was confirmed by the club, which described him as a significant figure in their history.
Legacy at FC Porto
Costa enjoyed an impressive 15-year tenure at Porto, where he collected an astounding 24 titles, including the prestigious Champions League and the UEFA Cup in 2003. The club lamented his passing, stating:
“Jorge Costa has left us. One of us, a leader, captain, example. A symbol of FC Porto. Thank you for being FC Porto until the end. Forever, Jorge Costa.”
Career Overview
Before solidifying his legacy at Porto, Costa had loan stints with Penafiel and Maritimo, also spending time with Charlton Athletic in the UK for the 2001-02 season. He concluded his playing career in 2006 at Standard Liege, marking the end of his active football days.
International and Coaching Career
On the international stage, Costa earned 50 caps for the Portuguese national team. After retiring from professional play, he transitioned into coaching, holding various managerial positions over the next 17 years, including roles with Braga, Cluj, AEL Limassol, and the Gabon national team. His latest engagement was with AVS during the 2023-24 season, after which he returned to Porto in a directorial capacity.
