Soccer Star Jorge Costa Dies Suddenly of Cardiac Arrest at 53

Soccer star Jorge Costa has tragically died suddenly at the age of 53 due to a cardiac arrest.

Costa was the captain of former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho’s Porto Champions League-winning team.

The celebrated international former player-turned-coach died on Tuesday while at Porto’s training center in Olival, according to reports from his native Portugal.

Costa, who had just given an interview with SportTV, collapsed around midday and was immediately rushed to São João Hospital in a serious condition.

Despite efforts from club doctors, who used a defibrillator on him, the cardiac arrest was so severe that nothing could be done to save his life.

Prior to the collapse, Costa had complained about the intense heat during the interview.

Nicknamed “Tanque” (Tank) and “Bicho” (Animal) by his teammates due to his aggressive defending style, Costa spent 15 years with Porto, where he achieved remarkable success.

During his time at the club, he won eight league titles, the UEFA Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, five Taca de Portugal trophies, and eight Super Cups.

In 2022, Mourinho shared a memorable story about Costa, explaining how, during a half-time talk in a losing match, Costa took charge and laid into the team to spare Mourinho from having to do so himself.

Porto won the game 3-2, with Costa scoring two goals in a legendary performance.

Costa was also an important player for the Portuguese national team.

He earned an impressive 50 caps and won the Portuguese Golden Ball in 2000.

After a successful playing career, Costa transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant at Braga in 2006 and eventually becoming their manager in 2007.

Over the years, he coached in multiple countries, including Portugal, Tunisia, India, Romania, and France.

In 2024, he returned to Porto as a director of football, a fitting role for someone so integral to the club’s history.

Costa had previously faced a health scare in 2022 when he was hospitalized and later underwent surgery, recovering in time.

Porto’s official statement on Costa’s death described him as an “inescapable figure in the club’s history,” praising his embodiment of the values that define the club, both on and off the field.

The club expressed its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who shared unforgettable moments with him.

In a statement, the club added:

“Jorge Costa’s legacy will forever live on in the memory of all Porto fans.

“You will never be forgotten, Captain.”

Tributes have poured in from across the football world.

Cristiano Ronaldo shared a tribute on Instagram, posting a picture of Costa with a black and white filter.

The post was captioned, “Ate sempre Jorge Costa,” which means “until forever.”

SC Braga, where Costa also contributed as head coach and assistant, expressed deep sorrow over his passing.

UK club Charlton Athletic, where Costa played on loan in the Premier League, also issued a heartfelt statement.

Sporting Lisbon and Liga Portugal also extended their condolences, praising Costa’s contributions to football and his leadership on and off the pitch.

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 Paulo Futre expressed disbelief at the news, writing: