Jorge Costa dead at 53: Jose Mourinho's Champions League-winning Porto captain and ex-Premier League star dies

THE captain of Jose Mourinho's Porto Champions League-winning team has died at the age of 53.

Jorge Costa, who played for Charlton on loan in the Premier League, died of a cardiac arrest on Tuesday while at Porto's training centre in Olival, according to reports in Portugal.

6 Jorge Costa has died at the age of 53 following a cardiac arrest Credit: Reuters

6 Costa captained Jose Mourinho's Porto to the Champions League in 2004 Credit: AP:Associated Press

6 The former defender played on loan at Charlton for a year Credit: Getty

6 He also won eight league titles and the Uefa Cup with the club Credit: Andrew Barr - The Sun Glasgow

6 Mourinho recalled a time when Costa "did the dirty job for me" Credit: Alamy

6 He later moved into management and became a director at Porto Credit: Alamy

After collapsing he was rushed to Sao Joao hospital in a serious condition, but tragically nothing could be done to save his life.

AS report Costa began to feel ill throughout the morning and was treated by club doctors with a defibrillator until an ambulance arrived.

He had just given an interview with SportTV before falling ill around midday, which saw him complain about the intense heat several times.

Nicknamed "Tanque" (Tank) and "Bicho" (animal) by his team-mates for his aggressive style of defending, the centre-back spent 15 years with Porto.

During that time, Costa won a staggering eight league titles, as well as winning the Uefa Cup, Intercontinental Cup, five Taca de Portugal trophies and eight Super Cups.

In 2022, Mourinho recalled a story about his former star, explaining how when the team was losing at half-time, Costa had "done the dirty work" by laying into the team to save a fuming Mourinho from having to do the same.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss explained how Costa told him to wait outside, before opening the door after a couple of moments and saying to the manager "coach us", with Porto winning the game 3-2 thanks to Costa scoring two goals.

He was also a key figure of the Portuguese National Team, earning 50 caps for the senior team and winning the Portuguese Golden Ball in 2000.

Following a decorated playing career which involved spells at Penafiel, Maritimo and the Addicks on loan and a one-year stint at Standard Liege, Costa moved into coaching in 2006.

He started out as an assistant at Braga before taking on the full job as manager in 2007.

Jose Mourinho explains the difference between a captain and a leader, using Jorge Costa as an example

But Costa would go on to have an extraordinary journeyman career as a boss.

Costa had a number of jobs ranging from his homeland of Portugal to Tunisia, India, Romania and France.

The Porto legend eventually returned to the club in 2024 to work as a director of football.

He suffered a similar health problem in 2022 when he was admitted to Santa Cruz hospital before undergoing surgery and eventually recovering.

But news of his death has left the world of football in mourning.

In a statement, Porto described him as an "inescapable figure in the club's history", adding that on and off the field he embodied the values that define the club.

They continued: "In this time of immense grief, Futebol Clube do Porto extends its deepest condolences to Jorge Costa's family, his friends, and all who shared unforgettable moments with him.

"As this is a painful time for his entire family and for the Porto Alegre family, we ask everyone to exercise the required discretion and respect during this time of farewell. More information will be released in due course.

"Jorge Costa's legacy will forever live on in the memory of all Porto fans. You will never be forgotten, Captain."

Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute on his Instagram page by sharing a picture of the defender with a black and white filter with the caption: "Ate sempre Jorge Costa", meaning "until forever".

Braga added their voice to the chorus of tributes pouring in, saying: "SC Braga received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Jorge Costa, a historic figure in national football who, throughout his extensive sporting career, also represented the colours of our club, both as head coach and assistant coach.

"The terrible news of his passing shakes the entire national sports community, and SC Braga cannot help but join in the immense pain shared by his family, his friends, and the entire FC Porto structure."

Charlton said: "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."

Paying respect to an old rival Sporting Lisbon added: "Sporting 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."

The Portuguese League said: "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."

Ex-Portugal international and 1987 Ballon d'Or runner up Paulo Futre wrote: "Hard to believe. What devastating news. A truly sad day for Portuguese football.

"My most sincere condolences to Jorge Costa's family. Forever, friend. Rest in peace."

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