Fenerbahçe head coach José Mourinho has paid a moving tribute to his former FC Porto captain Jorge Costa, following news of the legendary defender’s death at the age of 53. Speaking during an emotional press conference on Tuesday ahead of Fenerbahçe’s UEFA Champions League third qualifying round clash with Dutch side Feyenoord, Mourinho visibly struggled to contain his grief as he honoured a man he once described as “the soul of Porto.”
Jorge Costa, a former Portugal international and long-time captain of FC Porto, reportedly passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club’s training centre on Tuesday morning. The news has cast a somber shadow over the global football community, with tributes pouring in from around the world—from current players to football legends, fans, and former teammates.
Mourinho, who managed Costa during his transformative tenure at FC Porto between 2002 and 2004, was clearly shaken by the news. Fighting back tears during his address to the media in Istanbul, the Portuguese manager delivered a heartfelt message, capturing the spirit of the man he worked closely with during one of the most successful periods in FC Porto’s history.
“If he [Costa] could speak with me now, he would say, ‘Do your press conference, tomorrow play the game, Mister, and win the game – forget about me,’” Mourinho said, his voice breaking with emotion. “I’m going to try and do my job today and tomorrow, and then I will cry after.”
His words encapsulated both his professional ethos and deep personal sorrow. It was a rare moment of raw vulnerability from the often stoic Mourinho, a sign of just how close he and Costa were during their years together at the Portuguese club.
Under Mourinho’s guidance, Jorge Costa captained FC Porto to remarkable domestic and European success. Together, they won the Portuguese league, domestic cups, the UEFA Cup in 2003, and famously the UEFA Champions League in 2004—an achievement that remains one of the greatest stories in European club football history.
Costa’s no-nonsense style of defending, combined with his unshakeable leadership, made him an indispensable figure in Mourinho’s Porto side. Nicknamed “O Bicho” (The Beast) for his fearless approach on the pitch, Costa was admired not only for his physical strength but also for his fierce loyalty to the club and its values.
In addition to his club achievements, Costa earned 50 caps for the Portuguese national team, representing his country with pride in major tournaments including the UEFA Euro 2000 and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He briefly ventured outside Portugal for a season-long loan with English Premier League club Charlton Athletic during the 2001/2002 season, but Porto remained his home and the club with which he will forever be associated.
Jorge Costa retired from professional football in 2006 and went on to have a managerial career of his own, coaching various clubs in Portugal, Romania, and Africa. Though his post-playing career saw mixed fortunes, he remained respected as a true servant of the game.
His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, with several Portuguese clubs, including Porto, Benfica, and Sporting, issuing statements of condolence. FC Porto’s official statement described him as “a legend, a warrior, and an eternal captain.”
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo also paid tribute, posting a solemn image of Costa on his Instagram story with the caption “Até sempre Jorge Costa,” which translates as “Until forever.” The gesture reflected the widespread grief and admiration Costa commanded from players across generations.
At FC Porto, fans have begun leaving flowers and scarves outside the Estádio do Dragão in a growing display of remembrance. According to reports, the club is planning a formal tribute during their next home fixture, which may include a moment of silence and a commemorative video showcasing Costa’s legacy.
Mourinho’s words, however, have resonated most deeply with football fans across the world, reminding many of the emotional bonds forged between players and managers during the highs and lows of the game.
“This is one of the hardest days I’ve had as a coach,” Mourinho reportedly told Fenerbahçe officials privately. “Jorge was not just a captain—he was my warrior, my brother on the pitch.”
Despite his heavy heart, Mourinho insisted on continuing with preparations for Wednesday’s match against Feyenoord, stating that it was what Costa would have wanted. His quiet resolve was seen by many as a tribute in itself—honouring Costa the only way he knew how: through the game they both loved.
Jorge Costa is survived by his wife and two children, who have asked for privacy as they mourn their loss. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, with tributes likely to continue both in Portugal and abroad.
As the football world pauses to remember Jorge Costa, his name remains synonymous with courage, loyalty, and leadership. Whether hoisting the Champions League trophy in Gelsenkirchen or leading his teammates into battle on a rainy night in Lisbon, Costa’s legacy will endure—not just in trophies, but in hearts. And as Mourinho said, he will cry—but only after the final whistle.
