Portuguese soccer is mourning yet one more tragic loss. Jorge Costa, former FC Porto captain and nationwide staff defender, handed away on Tuesday, August 5, on the age of 53 following a cardiac arrest on the membership’s coaching facility.
Cardiac arrest at Porto’s coaching centre
FC Porto confirmed that Costa, who was serving because the membership’s Director of Skilled Soccer, suffered a cardiac arrest on Tuesday morning.
Based on Diario AS, Jorge Costa began to feel unwell and collapsed on the coaching floor. Membership medical doctors used a defibrillator in an try and revive him till emergency providers arrived, however he couldn’t be saved.
“The membership’s medical doctors used a defibrillator till the nationwide medical emergency providers (INEM) arrived to take him by ambulance to hospital,” reported Diario AS.
A profession of metal: 530 matches and a legacy of management
Costa made 530 appearances in all competitions throughout his profession, together with 383 for FC Porto and 50 for the Portuguese nationwide staff. Recognized for his robust defensive presence and commanding management, Costa earned the nickname “Bicho” (Animal) from fellow defender Fernando Couto.
He captained Porto to notable European success beneath José Mourinho, lifting the UEFA Cup in 2003 and the UEFA Champions League in 2004.
“All through his life, each on and off the pitch, Jorge Costa embodied the values that outline FC Porto: dedication, management, ardour and an unshakeable spirit of conquest,” the membership stated in a press release. “He left his mark on generations of followers and have become an emblem of Portismo.”
5-time league champion and returning hero
Costa was amongst a choose group of gamers to win 5 consecutive Portuguese league titles with Porto, becoming a member of the ranks of Aloisio, Drulovic, Paulinho Santos, Rui Barros, and Folha.
In April 2024, he returned to Porto in an government position beneath newly elected membership president André Villas-Boas.
“Jorge Costa’s legacy will at all times stay alive within the reminiscence of all Porto followers. You’ll by no means be forgotten, Captain,” the membership added.
Stints in administration, together with India’s ISL
Following retirement, Costa transitioned into administration. He coached a number of golf equipment together with SC Braga, Paços Ferreira, CFR Cluj, AEL Limassol, and Anorthosis Famagusta. In 2020, he was appointed head coach of Mumbai Metropolis FC within the Indian Tremendous League (ISL), leaving a mark together with his tactical acumen and worldwide expertise.
Second tragedy for Portuguese soccer in weeks
Costa’s loss of life is the second blow to Portuguese soccer in current weeks, coming shortly after the premature passing of Liverpool ahead Diogo Jota in July—each losses sending shockwaves via the footballing neighborhood.
