'Your legacy stays with us' - Jose Mourinho pays tribute to Porto's UEFA Champions League winning captain Jorge Costa
Updated 05/08/2025 at 23:03 GMT+1
Porto have paid tribute to former defender Jorge Costa, who captained the club to UEFA Champions League success in 2004. The defender, who was part of Jose Mourinho's Europe-conquering side, spent 15 years with the club and was most recently their director of football. Porto have described him as "a major symbol" of the club and said he was the skipper who "took us to the top of the world".
Jorge Costa
Image credit: Getty Images
Tributes are pouring in for Jorge Costa after the Porto great died at the age of 53.
The club have confirmed that their former defender and captain suffered a cardiac arrest at their training centre on Tuesday, August 5.
He spent 15 years as a player at Estadio do Dragao, where he won eight Primeira Liga titles, and most recently was Porto's director of football.
But it was in Europe that Costa had his crowning moment, helping the club lift the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League title.
Jose Mourinho's side beat Manchester United, Lyon and Deportivo La Coruna en route to the final in Germany, where they beat Monaco 3-0.
It remains one of the most sensational and unexpected Champions League successes of the 21st century.
In a statement, Porto paid tribute to a man who they described as "the captain who took us to the top of the world".
Costa made his Porto debut in 1990, and remained with the club until 2005, when he joined Standard Liege.
The defender also spent time on loan at Charlton in 2001/02, as they finished 14th in the Premier League under Alan Curbishley.
He also won 50 caps for Portugal and was part of the side who reached the semi-finals of Euro 2000.
Upon hanging up his boots, Costa went into management and led the likes of Braga, Gabon and Mumbai City, with his most notable achievement being a Romanian title success with FC Cluj in 2011/12.
Porto were always his team though, with one of his quotations on their website reading: "Whatever happens, I'm part of the history of my favourite club."
The Dragons continued to pay tribute to Costa, writing on X: "Jorge Costa has left us. One of us, a leader, captain, example. A symbol of FC Porto.
"Thank you for being FC Porto until the end. Forever, Jorge Costa."
A statement on their website added: "Jorge Costa has personified, throughout his life, on and off the field, the values that define FC Porto: delivery, leadership, passion and an unwavering spirit of conquest.
"He left his mark on generations of fans and became a major symbol of Porto."
A memorial service in his honour will take place at Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday, August 6 at 15:00 UK time.
'Your legacy stays with us'
Costa earned the nickname 'Bicho' during his career, which translates to 'animal' from Portuguese.
That label was a tribute to his defensive style and tough capabilities.
Jose Mourinho used the same moniker to address his former captain on social media, after the former Chelsea boss had appeared at a press conference in tears.
Writing on Instagram, he said: "I know what you would say now if you could, ‘Mister stop crying, tomorrow you have a match and your boys need you ready and strong’.
"I promise you Bicho, I am going to do it. RIP, because your legacy stay[s] with us."
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin also offered his words of condolence.
"A legend of Portuguese football, Jorge was more than a football player – he was a leader and a true warrior who inspired generations.
"He embodied grit, resilience and loyalty. His unforgettable moment lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2004 remains a legendary tribute to his unwavering dedication and spirit.
"On behalf of UEFA and the European football family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, team-mates, and all who are grieving his loss."
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