Former FC Porto captain Jorge Costa has died at the age of 53 after suffering a heart attack, the club announced on Tuesday.
Costa, who was serving as Porto’s director of professional football, collapsed on Tuesday morning at the club’s training ground. He was taken to hospital but was confirmed dead shortly after arrival, according to local media reports.
“Today, Porto lost one of its greats,” the club said in a statement, describing him as “a key figure in our history.”
Costa was a central figure in Porto’s golden years, winning eight league titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2004 under José Mourinho. He also made 50 appearances for Portugal and was part of the country’s celebrated “golden generation,” which lifted the 1991 FIFA U-20 World Cup alongside Luís Figo.
Tributes poured in across the country. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called his death “a shock,” praising Costa as “an example of dedication and commitment.”
Porto’s rivals also expressed their condolences. Benfica said Portuguese football had “lost a great figure,” while Sporting Lisbon described him as “a respected opponent and leader.”
Costa’s career later took him into coaching and football management, but he remained closely tied to Porto, where he spent most of his playing life.
