Jorge Costa Dies at 53: Jose Mourinho Cries as Special One Mourns FC Porto Legend's Death
- Fenerbahçe boss José Mourinho has been left heartbroken by the passing of former Portuguese footballer turned manager Jorge Costa
- Costa, who famously captained the 2004 UEFA Champions League-winning FC Porto side, died from cardiac arrest on Tuesday, August 5
- The 53-year-old was widely respected for his leadership and later took up a career in management after hanging up his boots as a player
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Jose Mourinho has been left devastated following the unexpected passing of Jorge Costa, a legend of FC Porto and his former captain at the club.
The heartbreaking news took the football world by surprise, especially for the man who shared some of his biggest triumphs with the late defender.
Source: Getty Images
Jose Mourinho mourns Jorge Costa after death
Costa, who wore the captain’s armband during Porto’s unforgettable UEFA Champions League triumph in 2004 under Mourinho, died of cardiac arrest.
According to The Independent, emergency services rushed him to the hospital, but despite their efforts, he could not be saved. He was 53 years old.
At the time of Costa's death, he was serving in his second year as Porto’s Director of Professional Football, and the club honoured his legacy.
The weight of the news clearly hit Mourinho hard. During a pre-match press briefing ahead of Fenerbahce’s UEFA Champions League clash with Feyenoord, the veteran manager struggled to hold back his emotions.
A video circulating on social media, seen by YEN.com.gh, captured the emotional moment as the Special One struggled to hold back his tears.
Through the pain, he managed to pay tribute to the man he once led from the touchline, praising Costa's influence as a leader and presence in the dressing room.
Before facing the media, Mourinho had already expressed his grief with a heartfelt post on Instagram. To him, their relationship was forged in victory.
Together, they conquered Europe, winning five major trophies, including back-to-back Liga Portugal titles and the Champions League crown in 2004.
With sorrow in his heart but determination in his eyes, Mourinho will lead Fenerbahçe into their first official game of the 2025-26 campaign.
The Turkish giants face Feyenoord in the first leg of the UCL third qualifying round, with the game now carrying extra emotional weight.
Source: Getty Images
Jorge Costa's career and football legacy
Costa’s legacy goes far beyond just Porto.
A proud graduate of the club’s youth system, he spent 15 years with the senior side, tallying 383 appearances in all competitions, as noted by GOAL.
In total, his playing career spanned 530 games, including 50 caps for Portugal, according to Transfermarkt.
He was part of the national team that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2000 and even netted twice for the Selecao.
After hanging up his boots, Costa ventured into coaching, taking up roles in Portugal, Cyprus, and India.
According to Transfermarkt managerial stats, he also managed the Gabon national team for two years.
From Porto icon to global respect
Jorge Costa’s football journey wasn’t just defined by trophies, it was grounded in grit, loyalty, and an unmatched fighting spirit. Born in Porto, he rose through the youth system with a fierce determination that made him a fan favourite long before he ever wore the captain's armband.
Unlike many of his generation who chased big-money moves abroad, Costa chose to stay rooted at Porto for the bulk of his playing career, even when the club wasn’t among Europe’s elite. That loyalty earned him legendary status in Portuguese football.
Off the pitch, Costa earned respect for his honesty and direct approach. Players under his management often described him as someone who demanded discipline but led with fairness.
His coaching career, though quieter than his playing days, left marks in countries like Romania and Tunisia, where he introduced a blend of tough mentality and European football philosophy.
His death leaves a void not just at the club, but across a football world that respected his no-nonsense legacy and deep passion for the game.
Remembering Diogo Jota one month after passing
YEN.com.gh previously reported on the death of Liverpool and Portugal star, Diogo Jota, which turned the football community upside down in grief.
The Premier League forward and his brother, Andre Silva, tragically lost their lives in a fatal car crash while driving a luxury vehicle in Northern Spain.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
