Jorge Costa suddenly passed away on the evening of August 5 at the club's Olival Training Center. According to information from Porto FC, he collapsed due to a cardiac arrest and could not survive despite emergency care.
In recent years, Costa has held the role of Director of Football for a team he has been with throughout his career. Previously, he repeatedly complained that he was tired due to the hot weather. In 2022, he also suffered a stroke but has recovered.
Before the Champions League qualifying match against Fenerbahce, coach Mourinho was moved when mentioning his former student.
"Jorge was the one who cleaned up the dressing room so that the coaches could do the right job. That is the best thing a coach can have from his captain.
Today I still have a press conference, tomorrow I will still direct the match. Because I know, if I could say, Jorge would tell me, 'Mister, just do your job, don't worry about me,' Mourinho said.
Jorge Costa was born in Porto, playing professionally for his hometown team from 1992 to 2005. During that time, he played 380 matches, winning 24 titles, including the 2004 Champions League and Intercontinental Cup under coach Jose Mourinho.
After retiring, Jorge Costa moved to coaching and leading many teams in Portugal, Romania, Qatar, India... In early 2024, he returned to Porto FC as a senior manager and actively contributed to personnel strategies.
