Jun 23, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; FC Porto fans cheer before the game against Al Ahly FC during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Segar-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Porto Struck by Tragedy Again: Club’s Third Former Player Dies Unexpectedly

Costa's untimely passing marks the third tragedy to hit Porto this summer, following the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

Portuguese football is in shock after former FC Porto captain Jorge Costa passed away on Tuesday at the age of 53, following a sudden cardiac arrest at the club’s training centre. A prominent figure in Portuguese football both on and off the pitch, Costa was serving as Porto’s director of professional football at the time of his passing.

Costa had felt unwell on Tuesday morning and been taken to São João Hospital in Porto, where he “went into cardiopulmonary arrest in the emergency room and died”, a hospital source told the Renascença radio station. Costa captained the iconic Jose Mourinho-led Porto side to UEFA Champions League triumph in 2004. Across a glittering playing career, he made 324 appearances for the club, won 24 trophies, including eight Primeira Liga titles, and earned 50 caps for Portugal.

#E2ERNO 💙 pic.twitter.com/QjpiHHBhqW
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) August 6, 2025

Costa’s untimely passing marks the third tragedy to hit Porto this summer, following the unexpected deaths of former players Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in July, both of whom had deep connections to the club.

Mourinho and Former Teammates Pay Emotional Tribute

Costa’s career was defined by his fierce commitment and relentless style of play, which earned him the nickname “Bicho” (Bug). After starting his career at Porto, he had a brief but memorable loan spell at Charlton Athletic in the Premier League during the 2001-02 season. He retired in 2006 and swiftly transitioned into management, coaching at 16 clubs across Europe, Asia and Africa before returning to Porto in an executive role last season.

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho was visibly emotional at a press conference ahead of his team’s Champions League qualifier against Feyenoord. He paid tribute to his former captain,

“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.”

Jose Mourinho is moved to tears at a Fenerbahce press conference, paying tribute to the captain of his Champions League winning Porto team Jorge Costa.

Costa sadly passed away at the age of 53 due to a heart attack. pic.twitter.com/FZmQ0wji3m
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) August 5, 2025

Former teammates also expressed their sorrow. Deco, a fellow member of that historic 2004 squad, called Costa a “legendary captain who inspired us all.”

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Veteran defender Pepe added,

“Your dedication and legacy will always live in the unparalleled history of victories of FC Porto. Rest in peace, Jorge Costa.”

Costa’s accolades include the Portuguese Golden Ball in 2000, awarded to the league’s best player, and success at both club and international levels. His journey through management saw him take charge of clubs in Portugal, Romania, Tunisia, Cyprus, India, and Gabon.

FC Porto

Jorge Costa

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.