Portugal’s football icon and national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo has paid heartfelt tribute to former FC Porto and national team defender Jorge Costa, following the shocking news of his passing at the age of 53.
Costa, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in Portuguese football history, reportedly suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at FC Porto’s training centre on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. His sudden death has plunged the Portuguese football community and international fans into mourning.
Taking to Instagram, Ronaldo shared a touching message in honour of the late football legend. Posting a solemn photo of Costa, Ronaldo simply wrote: “Até sempre, Jorge Costa,” accompanied by a dove emoji. The phrase, which translates as “Until Forever” or “Always Love,” signified the deep respect Ronaldo held for the man known to many as “The Tank” during his playing days.
Jorge Costa was a towering figure in Portuguese football, not only for his on-field prowess but also for his leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the game. As captain of FC Porto, he led the club during one of its most successful periods, famously lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy under then-manager José Mourinho in 2004. His defensive leadership and warrior-like presence were instrumental in the team’s triumph over Europe’s elite clubs.
Costa’s legacy at Porto is etched in gold. Over the course of his career with the Dragões, he made more than 400 appearances, serving as a stalwart in the club’s backline for well over a decade. He won multiple domestic titles, including five Primeira Liga championships, and several Portuguese Cups, further cementing his place among the club’s all-time greats.
On the international stage, Jorge Costa represented Portugal with distinction, earning 50 caps for the national team. He featured in several major tournaments, including the 2000 UEFA European Championship and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he formed a reliable defensive partnership with the likes of Fernando Couto.
Born in Porto in 1971, Costa’s career began at his hometown club before he ventured out on a brief loan spell to Penafiel. However, it was at FC Porto that he truly rose to prominence. His rugged playing style, coupled with a tactical understanding of the game, made him a formidable opponent and an admired leader.
Beyond his playing days, Costa ventured into football management, coaching several clubs across Portugal and abroad. Though his managerial career did not mirror the highs of his playing days, he remained a respected voice within the football fraternity.
News of Costa’s passing has sent shockwaves through the football world. Tributes have poured in from former teammates, current players, coaches, and fans. FC Porto, in an official statement, described him as “a legend, a leader, and a lifelong symbol of our club’s spirit.”
The Portuguese Football Federation also issued a condolence message, describing Costa as “one of the great ambassadors of Portuguese football” and extending sympathies to his family, former colleagues, and the broader football community.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s tribute, while brief, was deeply symbolic. As a global ambassador for Portuguese football and a former national teammate of Costa, Ronaldo’s public gesture served as a reminder of Costa’s impact—not only in domestic football but also as a figure of national pride.
Football clubs across Europe have also joined in mourning the loss. FC Porto is expected to hold a moment of silence during their next fixture, and fans are planning memorial activities in and around the Estádio do Dragão in the coming days. Reports indicate that the club is also considering a commemorative banner or mural in honour of Costa’s legacy.
Jorge Costa is survived by his wife and two children, who have asked for privacy as they come to terms with the tragic loss.
As the world of football reflects on the career and character of Jorge Costa, his memory remains firmly intact in the hearts of those who witnessed his brilliance. From the thunderous tackles on the pitch to the leadership he exuded as captain, Costa’s name will forever be linked to the golden era of Portuguese football.
His final farewell may have come far too soon, but for those who loved and respected him—like Cristiano Ronaldo and millions of fans around the globe—Jorge Costa’s legacy is eternal.
