Died after cardiac arrest at Porto’s training ground
Mourinho pays tribute to his former player
The former Porto captain Jorge Costa has died at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club’s training centre.
The former defender, who was serving as Porto’s director of professional football in his second season in the role, was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.
“Throughout his life, both on and off the pitch, Jorge Costa embodied the values that define FC Porto: dedication, leadership, passion and an unshakeable spirit of conquest,” the club said in a statement. “He left his mark on generations of fans and became a symbol of Portismo.”
Over his career, Costa played 530 games in all competitions – 383 for Porto and 50 for Portugal’s national team. He earned the nickname Animal from teammate Fernando Couto during their partnership in central defence. As captain, he led Porto to Uefa Cup glory in 2003 and a Champions League triumph in 2004 under manager José Mourinho.
“It’s part of my history that goes,” an emotional Mourinho said at Fenerbahce’s press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier against Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
“You have captains, you have leaders. It’s not about the armband, it’s about what you represent. Jorge was one of these guys I used to say ‘clean the garbage’ and let the coach do his job as a coach and not as a leader of the dressing room.
Jorge Costa (left) and Vitor Baia arrive at Porto airport after the 2004 Champions League final win over Monaco. Photograph: Miguel Riopa/AFP/Getty Images
“That’s perfection for a coach when the captain does this work. Of course I’m very sad, but let’s forget football. Let’s focus on him, Jorge, a young guy and his kids that I met when they were really kids and now, of course, they are grown men.
“Of course I am very sad but I’m here because if he could speak with me now he would tell me: ‘Come on, do your press conference and tomorrow play the game and win mister. Forget about me’. That would be Jorge. So that’s what I am going to try to do. Do my job today, do my job tomorrow, and then cry after.”
Costa was one of six players to win five consecutive Portuguese league championships with Porto, alongside Aloísio, Ljubinko Drulović, Paulinho Santos, Rui Barros and Folha.
Costa returned to the club in April 2024 as director under their new president André Villas-Boas. “Jorge Costa’s legacy will always remain alive in the memory of all Porto fans. You will never be forgotten, Captain,” the club added.
Charlton Athletic, the London club where Costa spent half the 2001-02 season on loan to play Premier League football, making 24 appearances, released a short social media statement, saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Jorge Costa at the age of 53. The thoughts of everyone at Charlton Athletic are with Jorge’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
EXCLUSIVE: Jorge Costa’s Family Speak Out – Why They Believe This Was No “Normal Death”… and the One Keepsake He Held Onto Until the Very End
On August 5, 2025, the football world was rocked by the sudden death of Jorge Costa, the legendary former captain of FC Porto, who suffered a cardiac arrest at the club’s training ground in Olival, Portugal. At 53, Costa was not only a revered figure in Portuguese football but also a devoted family man whose legacy transcended the pitch. Known for his fierce competitiveness and leadership, Costa captained Porto to a historic UEFA Champions League title in 2004 under José Mourinho and lifted the UEFA Cup in 2003. His passing sent shockwaves through the global football community, with tributes pouring in from players, coaches, and fans alike. However, in an exclusive interview, Costa’s family has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his death, insisting it was not a “normal death” and revealing a deeply personal keepsake that he held dear until his final moments.
A Tragic Day at Olival
Jorge Costa, who was serving as Porto’s Director of Professional Football in his second season in the role, collapsed during a routine session at the club’s Olival training complex. According to reports, he felt unwell that morning and was rushed to São João Hospital, where he suffered a fatal cardiopulmonary arrest despite medical efforts. FC Porto released a heartfelt statement, describing Costa as “a leader, captain, example” and a “symbol of Portismo,” emphasizing his embodiment of the club’s values: dedication, leadership, passion, and an unshakeable spirit of conquest.
The official cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest, a sudden and often unpredictable medical event. Yet, Costa’s family—particularly his wife, Mrs. Costa, and his two sons, David Costa Almeida and Salvador Almeida—have expressed doubts about the simplicity of this explanation. “Jorge was healthy, active, and meticulous about his well-being,” his wife shared in a tearful conversation. “He had no history of heart problems, no warning signs. This wasn’t just a random heart attack. We need answers.”
A Family’s Search for Truth
The family’s skepticism stems from several factors. First, Costa’s death marks the third unexpected passing of a former Porto player this summer, following the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in July. This pattern has raised eyebrows among the family, who question whether there could be underlying factors connecting these losses. “Three sudden deaths in such a short time—it’s hard to believe it’s just coincidence,” said David, Costa’s eldest son. “My father was at the peak of his career as a director, planning for Porto’s future. He was full of energy and ideas.”
The family also points to Costa’s rigorous lifestyle as evidence that his death was not a straightforward cardiac event. A former athlete known as “Bicho” (animal) and “Tanque” (tank) for his physical prowess, Costa maintained a disciplined regimen even after retiring from playing in 2006. “He was stronger than most men half his age,” Salvador remarked. “He ran every morning, ate well, and had regular check-ups. If there was something wrong, he would have known.”
Adding to their concerns, the family noted that Costa had been under significant pressure in his role as Director of Football. Since returning to Porto in April 2024 under president André Villas-Boas, Costa was tasked with revitalizing the club’s professional football department, a role that involved long hours and intense decision-making. “He loved the challenge, but it wasn’t easy,” Mrs. Costa explained. “He was dealing with high-stakes projects, and the stress was immense. We wonder if that played a role.”
The Keepsake That Defined Him
Amid their grief and questions, the family revealed a poignant detail about Costa’s final moments: he was carrying a cherished keepsake that symbolized his lifelong connection to FC Porto. Tucked inside his wallet was a small, worn photograph of the 2004 Champions League trophy, taken moments after Porto’s 3-0 victory over Monaco in the final. “That photo was his pride and joy,” David said, his voice breaking. “He carried it everywhere, like a reminder of what he and his team achieved. Even as a director, he kept it close, saying it gave him strength.”
The photograph, slightly faded from years of handling, was more than a memento—it was a testament to Costa’s identity as a leader. José Mourinho, who coached Costa during that historic 2004 campaign, once described him as a “natural-born leader” who did the “dirty work” in the locker room, motivating his teammates with unmatched intensity. The family believes this keepsake was a source of comfort for Costa, especially in his final days as he navigated the pressures of his directorial role.
“He would show us that photo and tell stories about that night in Gelsenkirchen,” Salvador recalled. “It wasn’t just about the trophy—it was about the brotherhood, the fight, the belief that anything was possible. That was my father’s spirit.”
Tributes and Unanswered Questions
The football world has mourned Costa’s loss with an outpouring of tributes. José Mourinho, now managing Fenerbahçe, fought back tears during a press conference, imagining what Costa would say: “Mister, stop crying, tomorrow you have a match, and your boys need you strong.” Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, posted a simple yet heartfelt farewell on Instagram: “Até sempre Jorge Costa,” accompanied by a dove emoji symbolizing peace. Former teammate Pepe and UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin also honored Costa, calling him a “true warrior” whose legacy would endure.
Yet, for Costa’s family, these tributes, while comforting, do not address their lingering doubts. They are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death, including a review of his medical history and the conditions at the training ground. “We’re not accusing anyone,” Mrs. Costa clarified. “We just want clarity. Jorge gave everything to football, to Porto, to his family. We owe it to him to understand what happened.”
The family is also grappling with the emotional weight of Costa’s absence. As a father, he was a pillar of strength, guiding his sons with the same leadership he brought to the pitch. “He taught us to never give up, to fight for what matters,” David said. “Now, we’re fighting for him.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Jorge Costa’s contributions to football are undeniable. Over his 15-year playing career at Porto, he made 383 appearances, won eight Primeira Liga titles, five Portuguese Cups, and the 2004 Intercontinental Cup. His 50 caps for Portugal included a semi-final run at UEFA Euro 2000 and participation in the 2002 World Cup. After retiring, he managed 17 different teams, including the Gabon national team, before returning to Porto as a director.
Beyond his accolades, Costa was a symbol of resilience and loyalty, qualities that resonated with fans and players alike. His brief stint at Charlton Athletic in the 2001-02 Premier League season left a lasting impression, with former manager Alan Curbishley praising his ability to command respect. “He was a great lad,” Curbishley said, a sentiment echoed by many who knew him.
As the family prepares for a private funeral, they are determined to honor Costa’s memory by seeking truth and preserving his legacy. “He was more than a footballer,” Mrs. Costa said. “He was our rock, our hero. We’ll carry that photo, his spirit, with us always.”
The football community waits with bated breath for any developments in the investigation, while Costa’s family holds onto the keepsake that defined his heart—a small photograph of a triumphant moment that will forever immortalize Jorge Costa as Porto’s indomitable captain.
