Jose Mourinho's Champions League-winning Porto captain Jorge Costa dies following cardiac arrest

Porto have confirmed that their former captain passed away on Tuesday afternoon. Costa was serving as the club's director of football, a role he took up in the summer of 2024. 

The official statement from the Portuguese club read: "Former Captain and current Director of Professional Football at FC Porto passed away this Tuesday. Jorge Costa, the legendary FC Porto Captain and current Director of Professional Football, passed away this Tuesday due to cardiac arrest. Futebol Clube do Porto expresses its deepest sadness and consternation at the passing of an inescapable figure in the Club's history. Throughout his life, on and off the field, Jorge Costa embodied the values that define FC Porto: dedication, leadership, passion, and an unwavering spirit of conquest. He influenced generations of fans and became a major symbol of Porto.

"In this time of immense grief, Futebol Clube do Porto extends its deepest condolences to Jorge Costa's family, his friends, and all who shared unforgettable moments with him. As this is a time of grief for his entire family and for the Porto family, we ask that everyone exercise the required discretion and respect during this time of farewell. More information will be released in due course. Jorge Costa's legacy will always live on in the memory of all Porto fans. You will never be forgotten, Captain."

Costa started his career at Porto in 1990 after graduating from the club's youth system. He spent the next 15 years at Estadio do Dragao and, in between, was sent out on three loan spells at Penafiel, Maritimo and Charlton Athletic. He left Porto in 2005 and spent the final season of his professional career at Standard Liege. Post-retirement, he went into football management and coached at various clubs across multiple countries, including Portugal, Cyprus and India. He also managed the Gabon national team for two years.

Liga Portugal condoled the death of Costa as they sent a message which read: "Liga Portugal deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Costa, former FC Porto player, as well as the National Team, who currently served as FC Porto's Director of Football."