Former Porto captain and ex-Mumbai City FC coach Jorge Costa Dies at 53, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, passion, and football excellence. The Portuguese football icon passed away on Tuesday morning after suffering a heart attack at FC Porto’s Olival training complex.
According to early reports, Jorge Costa began feeling unwell while at the training facility. He collapsed and was given emergency treatment by the club’s medical team. A defibrillator was used in an attempt to revive him before the national emergency service (INEM) arrived. He was rushed to São João hospital in Porto but could not be saved. Jorge Costa Dies at 53, despite the best efforts of doctors.
The news of his passing was confirmed by Spanish media outlet Diario AS, which reported that Costa had shown signs of discomfort throughout the morning. After losing consciousness, club doctors tried to bring him back, but his condition worsened rapidly. Sadly, Jorge Costa Dies at 53, shocking fans, players, and the football world alike.
A True Porto Hero: Captain, Leader, Legend
FC Porto released a heartfelt message expressing their grief: “Jorge Costa Dies at 53, but his values will live forever with us. He symbolized everything we believe in, dedication, leadership, passion, and an unbreakable fighting spirit,” the club wrote.
Over his career, Costa played 530 matches, including 383 for FC Porto and 50 for the Portugal national team. He earned the nickname “Bicho” (The Animal) from his central defense partner Fernando Couto due to his aggressive and fearless style of play.
One of Costa’s proudest moments came under coach Jose Mourinho, when he captained FC Porto to UEFA Cup victory in 2003, followed by an incredible UEFA Champions League win in 2004. He was also part of an elite group of six players who won five consecutive Portuguese league titles with Porto.
In April 2024, Jorge Costa returned to FC Porto as a director under the leadership of president Andre Villas-Boas. Sadly, Jorge Costa Dies at 53, just over a year into his new role, leaving his club and fans heartbroken.
“Jorge Costa’s legacy will remain forever. Jorge Costa Dies at 53, but his name will echo through the halls of Estádio do Dragão forever,” the club added.
Coaching Career and Love from India
After retiring, Costa stepped into management, coaching multiple clubs including SC Braga, Paços Ferreira, CFR Cluj, and others. But fans in India will remember his time at Mumbai City FC from 2018 to 2020.
Under his leadership, Mumbai City finished third and fifth in the Indian Super League and won 17 out of 39 matches. Following the news that Jorge Costa Dies at 53, the club posted an emotional tribute: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our former Head Coach, Jorge Costa. A leader, a fighter, and a true part of the Mumbai City family. Rest in peace.”
Before his coaching journey, he had a short loan spell in England with Charlton Athletic during the 2001/02 season. Though he played just 26 matches, fans still remember him fondly as a rock-solid defender.
“Everyone at Charlton Athletic is deeply saddened to learn that Jorge Costa Dies at 53. Known as ‘The Tank,’ he was one of the finest defenders to ever wear our jersey,” said the club, now playing in the EFL Championship.
A Month of Loss for Portuguese Football
The tragic news that Jorge Costa Dies at 53 comes just weeks after the sudden death of another Portuguese star, Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, who died in a road accident in Spain last month.
Jota, aged 28, was traveling with his brother, Andre Silva, when their car crashed off the road near Zamora in northwestern Spain. Both were killed in the accident, deeply affecting the Portuguese football community.
Now, with the news that Jorge Costa Dies at 53, fans are mourning two irreplaceable figures within just a few weeks. The back-to-back tragedies have shaken the football world and left fans grieving.
Costa will be remembered not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his leadership and dedication off it. Jorge Costa Dies at 53, but his fighting spirit and passion for the game will never be forgotten.
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