Portuguese Football Legend Jorge Costa Dies Suddenly at 53 After Cardiac Arrest
- Portuguese football legend and former FC Porto captain Jorge Costa has died at age 53 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest
- Costa earned 50 caps for Portugal, played under José Mourinho, and later served as Porto’s director of football
- His passing marks the third unexpected death of a former Porto player this summer, following the loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva
Portuguese football icon Jorge Costa has passed away at the age of 53 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest at his club’s training facility.
A former FC Porto captain and stalwart of the national team, Costa earned 50 caps for Portugal and was a key figure under José Mourinho during the club’s 2004 glory years.
His playing career included a stint in the English Premier League with Charlton Athletic in the 2001–02 season. After hanging up his boots in 2006, Costa transitioned into coaching, taking charge of 16 different teams before returning to Porto last season as director of football.
Source: Getty Images
What did the club say about Costa?
The club released a statement acknowledging Costa’s rich contribution and paid tribute to him:
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"Throughout his life, both on and off the pitch, Jorge Costa embodied the values that define FC Porto: dedication, leadership, passion and an unshakeable spirit of conquest. He left his mark on generations of fans.”
It is the third unexpected death of a former Porto player this summer, following the tragic passing of former loanee Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in July, both of whom spent six years at the club.
Mourinho led the tributes
Mourinho, who managed him between 2002 and 2004, fought back tears as he remembered Costa:
“If he could speak with me now, he would say 'Do your press conference, tomorrow play the game, mister, and win the game – forget about me. I'm going to try and do my job today and tomorrow, and then I'll cry after.”
Watch the video below:
Deco also honoured Costa with a tribute on Instagram:
“Today, Portuguese football and FC Porto lose one of their greatest symbols,” Deco posted.
“Jorge Costa was the embodiment of Porto's spirit and determination. A legendary captain who inspired us all.
It was an honour to share so many titles and joys with you. Your name will forever be remembered. My condolences to the entire family. See you always, ‘Bicho’.”
See the tweet below:
Another former team-mate, Pepe, said:
“My deepest condolences to all your family. Your dedication and legacy will always live in the unparalleled history of victories of FC Porto. Rest in peace, Jorge Costa.”
Source: Getty Images
Costa managed teams in Portugal as well as in Romania, Cyprus, India, Tunisia, and Gabon. He was part of the historic FC Porto side that lifted the UEFA Champions League in 2004, alongside the South African legend Benni McCarthy.
Watch the video below:
Legendary SA sports commentator passes on
Briefly News also reported the passing of renowned South African sports commentator Phumlani Msibi, who died at the age of 57.
Mzansi mourned the death of the broadcasting legend, who is mostly known for his work in the Premier Soccer League.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
