The Portuguese football community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Jorge Costa, one of the nation’s most iconic footballers and respected managers.
The former Porto captain Jorge Costa died on Tuesday at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club’s training centre.
He was affectionately known as “O Bicho” (The Beast) for his commanding presence on the pitch.
Jorge Costa’s legacy in Portuguese football is indelible.
Born in Porto in 1971, he rose through FC Porto’s youth ranks and became a symbol of the club’s grit and resilience. He captained Porto to multiple league titles and was a cornerstone of the team that won the 2003 UEFA Cup under José Mourinho — a triumph that paved the way for the club’s historic UEFA Champions League victory the following year against Monaco.
Internationally, Costa earned 50 caps for Portugal, representing the Seleção at UEFA Euro 2000 and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. His robust defending and leadership were hallmarks of a golden generation that included Luís Figo, Rui Costa, and Fernando Couto.
Following his retirement in 2006, Costa transitioned into management, overseeing several clubs in Portugal and abroad.
His coaching career saw him manage teams like S.C. Braga, Académica, and Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, where he continued to command respect for his no-nonsense approach and deep tactical acumen.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has announced that a minute of silence will be observed in all domestic matches this weekend in honor of Costa.
Plans are also underway to hold a memorial at Estádio do Dragão, where fans will be able to pay their respects.
Jorge Costa (1971 -♾) pic.twitter.com/UXLMeXaxTb
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) August 5, 2025
O SC Braga recebeu com profunda consternação a notícia do falecimento de Jorge Costa, figura histórica do futebol nacional e que na sua vasta carreira desportiva representou também as cores do nosso clube, como treinador principal e como treinador-adjunto.
A terrível notícia do… pic.twitter.com/phKEA3crwB
— SC Braga (@SCBragaOficial) August 5, 2025
Rui Costa deixou algumas palavras sobre o seu grande amigo Jorge Costa #sporttvportugal pic.twitter.com/thwFro5IyO
— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) August 5, 2025
A Liga Portugal manifesta o seu profundo pesar pelo falecimento de Jorge Costa, histórico capitão do FC Porto e figura marcante do futebol nacional.
Conhecido como o “Bicho” pela sua entrega, liderança e espírito combativo, Jorge Costa foi símbolo de uma geração e referência… pic.twitter.com/dL3Jt1ajeN
— Liga Portugal (@ligaportugal) August 5, 2025
