Jorge Costa, who captained Porto to the 2004 Champions League title, died Tuesday of cardiac arrest, the club said. He was 53.
Costa, a central defender who made 50 international appearances for Portugal, was Porto’s director of football at the time of his death.
The club said in its announcement that Costa embodied Porto’s values: “dedication, leadership, passion, and an unwavering spirit of conquest.”
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Portuguese media reported that Costa suffered cardiac arrest at the club’s training centre and was transported to São João Hospital.
Costa’s finest achievement in his playing career was as captain of Jose Mourinho’s Porto team that was a surprise winner of the Champions League in 2004. A year earlier, he lifted the second-tier UEFA Cup.
Costa also helped Porto win eight Portuguese league titles.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro offered his condolences and praised Costa’s “dedication and commitment” to both Porto and the national team.
Jose Mourinho (r) speaks to Jorge Costa (l) during training in 2003. PA Images via Getty Images
Mourinho posted a tribute that said “your legacy will stay with us”.
The Fenerbahce coach wrote that he could imagine what Costa would be telling him: “Mister, stop crying, tomorrow you have a match and your boys need you ready and strong”.
Mourinho fought back tears speaking about his former captain at a news conference before Wednesday’s Champions League third-round tie against Feyenoord.
“I’m going to try and do my job today and tomorrow, and then I’ll cry after.”
Costa won 24 trophies before leaving in 2005, including the Champions League, Uefa Cup and eight Primeira Liga titles.
Deco, who was also part of Porto’s Champions League-winning side, labelled Costa a “legendary captain”.
FC Porto’s Jorge Costa organizes his defence (Photo by Mike Egerton/EMPICS via Getty Images) PA Images via Getty Images
“Today, Portuguese football and FC Porto lose one of its greatest symbols,” Deco posted on Instagram.
“Jorge Costa was the embodiment of Porto’s spirit and determination. A legendary captain who inspired us all.
“It was an honour to share so many titles and joys with you. Your name will forever be remembered. My condolences to the entire family. See you always, ‘Bicho’.”
Another former teammate Pepe said: “My deepest condolences to all your family.
Costa was the football director of FC Porto. NurPhoto via Getty Images
“Your dedication and legacy will always live in the unparalleled history of victories of FC Porto. Rest in peace, Jorge Costa.”
Costa spent a short period on loan at English team Charlton in the 2001-02 season.
“To hear of a life taken at 53 is never nice to hear, but he’s a former teammate who had such a great standing in the game and captained a Champions League winning side,” said Steve Brown, chair of Charlton’s ex-players’ association.
“He was loved at Charlton, a man mountain of a player and a great guy too.
“He was a fantastic person who always got his point across.
“Everyone respected him because of his ability. He was a great lad.”
