Cristiano Ronaldo leads tributes as Jose Mourinho’s Champions League-winning captain dies aged 53

Porto's 2004 Champions League-winning captain, Jorge Costa, has died at the age of 53.

Costa, who was the skipper for Jose Mourinho's iconic team, died of a cardiac arrest on Tuesday while at Porto's training centre.

5 Champions League-winning captain Costa has died after suffering a cardiac arrest

Nicknamed 'The Beast', the former defender spent 15 years at the club during his playing career and was their director of football.

He also picked up 50 caps for Portugal, alongside making over 250 appearances for the Portuguese giants.

Costa was captain of Mourinho's now-legendary Porto side that won the Champions League in 2004.

The ex-centre-back lifted the trophy in Germany as they pulled off one of the most historic European feats.

He also played in the Premier League for Charlton Athletic between 2001 and 2002, featuring 24 times in the English top flight.

Tributes are flowing in for Costa, with Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo posting a message on social media.

Alongside a picture of the Costa, Ronaldo wrote and an emoji of a dove: "Ate sempre Jorge Costa"

That translates to English to mean 'Until Forever' or 'Always'.

Porto have also posted a tribute for their old captain and director of football, writing: "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."

5 Ronaldo posted a message in tribute to Costa on Tuesday Credit: Instagram

5 Tributes are pouring in for Costa after his passing at the age of 53

Liga Portugal, the division in which he played 305 games, also released a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

They wrote: "Liga Portugal expresses its deep sorrow for the passing of Jorge Costa, the historic captain of FC Porto and a prominent figure in national football.

"Known as the 'Beast' for his dedication, leadership, and fighting spirit, Jorge Costa was a symbol of a generation and a reference both on and off the pitch.

"In this moment of grief, Liga Portugal extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, FC Porto, and all those who shared his passion for football. Rest in peace."

Reinaldo Teixeira, President of Liga Portugal, added: "Jorge Costa's passing took us all by surprise.

"I deeply regret the passing of one of the most iconic figures in our football and FC Porto. His passion, leadership, and dedication to the game will leave an eternal mark.

5 Costa spent 15 years of his career as a Porto player and also played in England

"I have lost a friend and someone for whom I held a sincere and great personal and professional esteem.

"In this time of grief, we offer our deepest condolences to his family, his friends, and the entire FC Porto structure."

Porto's rivals, Sporting Lisbon, have also released a statement, reading: "Sporting Clube de Portugal expresses its sorrow for the passing of Jorge Costa, football director of FC Porto and former Portuguese international.

"To his family, friends, and all those who shared his life, Sporting Clube de Portugal extends its deepest condolences, paying tribute to his memory and his contribution as a figure of FC Porto and Portuguese football."

And his old club Charlton have posted a tribute for Costa too, writing: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Jorge Costa at the age of 53.

"The thoughts of everyone at Charlton Athletic are with Jorge's family and friends at this difficult time."

5 Costa lifted the Champions League trophy for Porto under Mourinho Credit: getty

Costa's career

During his time at Porto, Costa won the Champions League, eight league titles, a UEFA Cup and an Intercontinental Cup.

On top of that, he also won five Taça de Portugal trophies and eight Portuguese Super Cups.

His spell in the Premier League came towards the end of his time at Porto, joining Charlton on loan for a season in 2001.

Following that stint, Costa returned to Porto and three years later, he departed permanently, ending his playing days at Belgian side Standard Liege.

As well as his successful club career, he played for his country and all levels on the international stage.

Costa played for Portugal's U20s and U21s before going on to reach a half century of caps for the senior side.

Jorge Costa's career in full Playing career Porto (1990-2005)

Penafiel (Loan: 1990-1991)

Maritimo (Loan: 1991-1992)

Charlton Athletic (Loan: 2001-2002)

Standard Liege (2005-2006)

Portugal (1992-2002) Managerial career Braga (2007)

Olhanense (2008-2010)

Academica (2010)

CFR Cluj (2011-2012)

AEL Limassol (2012-2013)

Anorthosis (2013-2014)

Pacos Ferreira (2014)

Gabon (2014-2016)

Sfaxien (2017)

Arouca (2017)

Tours (2017-2018)

Mumbai City (2018-2020)

Gaz Metan Medias (2020-2021)

Farense (2021)

Sfaxien (2022)

Academico Viseu (2022-2023)

AVS (2023-2024)

After retirement, he quickly moved into coaching, becoming an assistant at Braga before going on to step in as manager in 2007.

That was the first of 16 different clubs he managed over the next 17 years.

Costa had spells with Olhanense, Academica, CFR Cluj, AEL Limassol, Anorthosis and Pacos Ferreira across a seven-year time frame.

Then he became a national team manager, taking charge of Gabon for two years, coaching a squad captained by ex-Chelsea and Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Following that stint, he would manage another eight clubs, including Arouca, Mumbai City and Farense.

Costa's most recent side was Portuguese club AVS, where he departed last year to become Porto's director of football.

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