A few weeks after mourning the passing of current star Diogo Jota after a traffic accident, the Portuguese football world continued to be shaken when former player Jorge Costa suddenly passed away after a heart attack.
Former football star Jorge Costa suddenly passed away due to heart attack
The captain, whose name has become a living legend, having lifted the Champions League title with coach Jose Mourinho in 2004, suddenly collapsed on the morning of August 5 (local time) at Porto's Olival Training Center, just minutes after he finished an interview with SportTV.
Despite being treated by the medical team at the scene and taken to Sao Joao Hospital in critical condition, Jorge Costa did not survive and breathed his last breath in the early afternoon of the same day. This was the second time Costa had faced cardiovascular problems – he had survived a heart attack in 2022 – but this time, the "warrior's" heart could not recover.
Jorge Costa (left) competes for the ball with Thierry Henry in the European Cup
Nicknamed "Tanque" and "Bicho" (The Beast) by his teammates, Jorge Costa was renowned for his powerful, aggressive and uncompromising style of play. During his 15 seasons with Porto, Jorge Costa played 383 times, scored 25 goals and won 24 major trophies with the team - including 8 national championships, 5 National Cups, 8 Portuguese Super Cups, the 2003 UEFA Cup, the 2004 Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup. The moment he lifted the Champions League trophy in Gelsenkirchen has become an immortal image in Porto's history.
Jorge Costa (left) and the 2004 Champions League trophy
Internationally, Costa has 50 caps for Portugal, won a bronze medal at the 1988 Olympics and was named "Portugal's Best Player" in 2000. In addition to Porto, he has played for Charlton (England), Standard Liège (Belgium), Penafiel and Marítimo.
Not only is Costa an excellent player, he is also praised by Jose Mourinho as a "true leader". Mourinho once recounted that in a match when Porto were trailing 0-2, Costa replaced the coach and "exploded" the dressing room, stirred up the team's spirit and said: "Now, coach". Afterwards, Costa himself scored two goals, helping the team come back to win 3-2.
Jorge Costa once took on the role of head coach of the Gabon national team.
After retiring, Costa began his coaching career with a journey through 17 teams in many countries such as Romania, Tunisia, India, France, Gabon... and led Braga, Académica, Cluj, Mumbai City... In 2024, he returned to Porto as Director of Professional Football under President Andre Villas-Boas, continuing to contribute to the team associated with his career and name.
Shortly after his death, FC Porto wrote: "Jorge Costa, the eternal symbol of FC Porto, has passed away. He leaves behind a legacy of 383 games and countless titles." The Portuguese Football Federation, former clubs such as Braga and Charlton, as well as a host of famous players and football figures – including Cristiano Ronaldo and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin – all sent their condolences.
Jose Mourinho shed tears upon hearing the news of his former student's death
Jose Mourinho shed tears when he heard the news of his famous student's death and choked up: "A part of my history is gone. I know, if Jorge were alive, he would tell me to do my job and not worry about him. That's Jorge."
Jorge Costa is gone, but the "Bicho" spirit - indomitable, proud and loyal - will forever remain in the hearts of Porto and Portuguese football lovers.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/jose-mourinho-soc-nang-khi-hoc-tro-cu-jorge-costa-dot-ngot-qua-doi-tren-san-bong-196250806065918537.htm
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