Islamabad, Aug 6, 2025: Jorge Costa, the former FC Porto skipper and iconic Portuguese defender has passed away at the age of 53 after suffering a heart attack at the club’s training facility, Porto confirmed on Tuesday. The club paid homage to Jorge Costa calling him “a key figure in the club’s history.”
In an official release, the team shared their grief over the tragic news. “The legendary FC Porto captain and current director of professional football, passed away this Tuesday following a cardiopulmonary arrest,” read the statement.
According to local press, Costa collapsed early Tuesday at the training complex and was quickly taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Jorge Costa dedicated the majority of his football career to FC Porto, capturing eight league trophies and lifting the UEFA Champions League in 2004 under the leadership of Jose Mourinho. He also earned 50 caps for Portugal national side.
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A key member of Portugal’s famed 1991 U-20 World Cup-winning team, Costa shared the spotlight with legends like Luis Figo.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro posted on social media, calling the news “shocking,” and called Costa “an example of dedication and commitment.”
Rival clubs Benfica and Sporting Lisbon also offered their condolences.
“Portuguese football is poorer,” wrote Benfica, recognizing him as “a key figure in football and national sport, first as a player, then as a coach, and, more recently, as a manager.”
