New Delhi: Portuguese football mourns the loss of one of its most respected figures as Jorge Costa passed away on Tuesday at the age of 53. The former FC Porto captain suffered a cardiac arrest at the club’s training facility and could not be revived despite urgent medical efforts.
According to Spanish media outlet Diario AS, “Costa began to feel unwell throughout Tuesday morning and, after losing consciousness, was treated there by the club’s doctors, who used a defibrillator until the national services arrived Medical Emergencies (INEM) to take him by ambulance to the hospital.”
A symbol of FC Porto’s golden era
Costa was more than just a defender. He was a leader and a symbol of Porto’s dominance in the early 2000s. He was nicknamed “Beast” by former teammate Fernando Couto for his aggressive and fearless style of play, he captained the side to UEFA Cup glory in 2003 and famously lifted the Champions League trophy in 2004 under Jose Mourinho.
Over his long club career, he played 383 matches for Porto and won eight Primeira Liga titles and becoming one of just six players to win five consecutive Portuguese league champions with the club. Internationally, he made 50 appearances for Portugal and striked twice.
FC Porto pay’s tribute
FC Porto issued a heartfelt tribute in their official statement, calling Costa “an inescapable figure in the club’s history” and praising his dedication, leadership and passion both on and off the pitch. “Jorge Costa’s legacy will forever live on in the memory of all Porto fans. You will never be forgotten, Captain,” the club said.
Faleceu Jorge Costa.
Eterno símbolo do FC Porto. Com mais de 400 jogos com a camisola azul e branca, levantou troféus, liderou equipas e deixou a alma em campo pelo Nosso Grande Clube onde conquistou, como jogador:
🏆 1 UEFA Champions League
🏆 1 Taça UEFA
🏆 8 Campeonatos… pic.twitter.com/8U7wiUGdy9— +FC Porto (@maisFCPorto) August 5, 2025
His death comes just weeks after Portuguese football was rocked by another tragedy as they mourned the loss of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. For FC Porto and fans worldwide, Costa’s passing marks the end of an era.
A familiar name in Indian football
Indian fans will also remember Costa for his stint with Mumbai FC in the Indian Super League. He managed the Islanders between 2018 and 2020 and lead them to a coaching career that spanned clubs in Portugal, Romania, Cyprus and beyond.
In April 2024, Costa returned back to Porto in an executive role under new club president Andre Villas-Boas. He was in his second season as the club’s Director of Professional Football at the time of his death.